The volume of container transit from China via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has increased 14-fold

The volume of container transit from China along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia is increasing at a rapid pace. In the period between January and July 2024, the volume of transit increased by an unprecedented 14 times in comparison to the same period in the previous year. This information has been provided by Rail-news.kz with reference to official data from JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the operator of Kazakhstan's railways.

As reported by the press service of JSC NC «Қазақстан темір жолы» (KTZ), in order to develop a multimodal transport corridor connecting China and Europe, JSC NC KTZ and JSC KTZ Express, together with other participants in the route, are working to increase transportation volumes, improve service and speed of cargo delivery.

The current estimated delivery times from Altynkol station to Absheron (Baku) are nine days, to Poti/Batumi (Georgia) are 12 days, and to Constanta (Romania) via Poti/Batumi are 20-22 days. This is a considerably more expeditious method of delivery than that of goods from China to Europe by sea, which can take up to 45 days.

In a recent recollection, "Қазақстан темір жолы" highlighted that, in the previous year, KTZ, in collaboration with the railway administrations of Azerbaijan and Georgia, established the Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd. A joint venture was established. The coordination operator will facilitate the development of multimodal services on the route by providing a comprehensive, integrated solution that ensures reliable delivery times and costs. Additionally, KTZ is engaged in the active development of port and port infrastructure in the Caspian Sea, in collaboration with prominent international logistics companies. The growth in container transit along the Trans-Caspian route suggests that this route is becoming increasingly attractive as a transit route from China to Europe, with the previously main route via the Russian Federation becoming less popular. Accordingly, the China Railways Corporation (CRC) reports that the number of freight trains running on the China-Europe international rail freight transportation routes reached 11,403 in the period between January and July 2024. This represents a 12% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. During this period, the number of standard containers (TEU, 20-foot container equivalent) transported reached 1.23 million, representing a 11% increase compared to the figures recorded in the January-July 2023 period.

Consequently, in conjunction with a general increase in container transportation in the direction of Europe from China by 11%, there was a 14-fold increase in container transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR). This suggests that transportation along the Middle Corridor is becoming a more attractive option. It is essential to consider the accelerated transit time and the diminished likelihood of significant political and military risks along the TITR, in comparison to the Northern route, which have increased significantly following the commencement of the Russian Federation's military operations in Ukraine. It seems indisputable that following the construction of the deep-water port of Anaklia in Georgia, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route will become the primary conduit for the transit of goods from China to Europe.

Gulnara Safarli
Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Strategic Partnership Information Support Centre

SR-CENTER.INFO