Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan signed two agreements on Nov. 2 to advance plans for a Caspian ferry service and a cargo terminal at Baku port, projects intended to strengthen the Trans-Caspian trade route.
The agreements were signed during talks between Azerbaijan’s AZCON Holding and Kazakhstan’s Samruk-Kazyna sovereign wealth fund, according to reports from both countries. One agreement sets out cooperation on the “Caspian Bridge,” also described as a “Super Ferry,” a planned service to move freight across the sea. The proposal calls for regular sailings between Azerbaijan’s Alat port and Kazakhstan’s Kuryk port.
It would use high-capacity vessels and specialized terminals. Separately, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Azerbaijan Railways signed a term sheet, a document outlining plans for a cargo terminal at the Baku International Sea Trade Port. The terminal is intended to connect port and rail operations and handle containers and other freight.
A joint venture is proposed to manage its commercial and operational work. Both projects focus on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. The route links Central Asia with the South Caucasus and markets farther on.
The announcements describe cooperation frameworks and preliminary terms. They do not specify confirmed construction schedules, total costs or financing arrangements.