The Baku International Sea Trade Port (BISTP), located in the settlement of Alat, is one of the region’s key transportation hubs and an integral part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the “Middle Corridor.” A decision on initiating the second phase of the port’s construction is expected in January 2025, marking a significant milestone in its development.
According to Taleh Ziyadov, the port’s General Director, the design phase of the second stage has been completed, but the decision to implement it remains pending. Upon completion, the port’s capacity is projected to increase to 25 million tons of cargo and 500,000 TEU containers annually. This is nearly double the current capacity achieved following the completion of the first construction phase in 2018, which enabled a cargo turnover of 15 million tons and 100,000 TEU containers per year.
The year 2024 has been highly successful for the Baku Port. Taleh Ziyadov highlighted that the port’s performance exceeded forecasts, particularly in container shipping and international road transport (TIR). Significant growth was observed in transit traffic along the China-Europe route via the Middle Corridor. Positive dynamics are expected to continue into 2025, including an increase in import-export operations and improved customs processing.
The Baku Port places a strong emphasis on environmental standards and sustainable development. Since 2016, the port has actively collaborated with the European Union on “greening” projects for the Middle Corridor. In 2019, it became the first port in the Caspian region to receive the “Green Port” certification from the European Sea Ports Organization.
One of the port’s key initiatives is reducing carbon emissions. According to Ziyadov, the EU’s carbon emissions trading scheme, set to begin in 2026, will not apply to cargo transported through the “clean corridor” if the supply chain meets environmental standards. The port aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2035.
Spanning an area of 400 hectares, the Baku Port holds strategic importance for the region. With its 13 berths, including specialized terminals for Ro-Ro vessels, ferries, and general cargo, the port provides essential logistical functions in Azerbaijan. It also serves as a free trade zone, offering opportunities for international and regional companies.
Additionally, the port actively implements a “green customs corridor” model, inspired by Turkey’s experience. This fosters transparent conditions for entrepreneurs, contributing to an improved business environment.
The implementation of the second phase of the Baku Port will strengthen its competitiveness within the global logistics system. Enhanced capacity will allow for the efficient handling of growing cargo volumes, including transit and container shipping. The development of infrastructure and a focus on environmental sustainability create a foundation for the port’s continued growth as a critical hub along the China-Europe trade route.
