Azerbaijan's sea cargo dips, passenger numbers surge in first half of 2024

Azerbaijan transported approximately 4,125,700 tons of cargo by sea in January-June 2024, marking an 8.6 per cent decrease compared to the same period of last year.

Oil cargo constituted 48.7 per cent of the total transported cargo during this period, Caliber.Az reports citing the Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee.

During the specified period, seaports handled a total of 6,852,100 tons of cargo, with transit cargo amounting to 5,487,900 tons or 80.1 per cent. As of July 1, 2024, Azerbaijani ports retained 303,800 tons of cargo. Sea transportation also saw an increase in passenger numbers, with 13,400 passengers transported during the reporting period, reflecting a 27.6 per cent rise compared to previous figures.

Passenger transportation by sea in Azerbaijan primarily centres around the Caspian Sea, where Azerbaijan shares its coastline. Sea travel plays a crucial role in connecting coastal cities and towns, facilitating trade, tourism, and transportation of goods and people.

Azerbaijan has developed maritime infrastructure, including ports and terminals in Baku and other coastal cities, to support passenger and cargo transportation. Baku Sea Port, for example, serves as a hub for both domestic and international sea traffic.

The Azerbaijani government regulates sea transportation to ensure safety standards are met, including requirements for vessel maintenance, crew training, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

Kheyraddin Nasirzade