Baku Port Signs Major Asia-Europe Freight MoU
The Port of Baku, Austrian ÖBB Rail Cargo Group and Cabooter Group (NL) signed an agreement to strengthen and expand the freight traffic from Europe to Central Asia and China via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). The Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria, Mr. Andreas Reichhardt, and Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Austria, Mr. Galib Israfilov were also present at the signing ceremony.The parties have decided to jointly promote the Middle Corridor in Europe and strengthen the connections between the existing European freight networks and logistics hubs in Europe with the Port of Baku. Federal Minister of Transport, Innovation and Technology of Austria, Mr.
Baku Calls Upon Antwerp’s Port Expertise
The port of Baku on the Black Sea is Azerbaijan’s largest port. Now to support its further development it is calling on the know-how and expertise of the port of Antwerp. For this purpose the management of Baku International Sea Trade Port recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with two subsidiaries of Antwerp Port Authority, namely Port of Antwerp International (PAI) and Antwerp Port Training Centre (APEC), for them to provide consultancy and training. The co-signatories on the Antwerp side were Jan Blomme and Paul Verkoyen, the respective CEOs of PAI and APEC. “This agreement is the direct result of a visit to Antwerp in May this year by the Director-General of the port of Baku, Taleh Ziyadov,” explained Jan Blomme.
Trouble Arise for Factory in Baku
Plans of Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan for expansion of new Baku International Sea Trade Port (in Alat settlement of Garadagh region) effected projecting of Caspian Shipbuilding Factory. Azerbaijani Government said that expansion of new port does not allow to determine definitely location of new factory. “Speed-up of the projecting is possible after expected projecting of new Baku Port in Alat in December-January,” the Government informed. The Factory will be able to produce whole spectrum of ships – from yachts to coarse tankers. The project will be realized by Korean STX and Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC). STX has already completed the feasibility study and presentation of project of Caspian Shipbuilding Factory in Baku can be held in late November – early December.
