Caspian ferry project gains support from Turkic States

Transport ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) have reaffirmed their support for the development of a ferry service across the Caspian Sea, as part of broader efforts to strengthen regional transport connectivity. The announcement came during the 8th Meeting of OTS Minsters of Transport, held today in Almaty.

The statement was published on the official website of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport, Caliber.Az reports.

The high-level meeting was convened within the framework of the 7th International Transport and Logistics Business Forum “New Silk Way” and brought together the Secretary-General of the OTS along with the heads of transport agencies from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan.

“The meeting addressed key issues related to the development of transport cooperation among OTS member states. Particular attention was given to the advancement of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, also known as the Middle Corridor), the implementation of digital technologies, and the introduction of electronic transit procedures,” the statement read.

In a move to bolster maritime transport, the ministers expressed their backing for initiatives aimed at increasing freight traffic across the Caspian Sea, constructing new transshipment capacities, and launching a dedicated ferry service. To advance these efforts, an expert-level meeting involving the relevant agencies of the OTS member states is planned.

"Support was also confirmed for the efforts of railway administrations to organize regular block trains, including the use of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars route. The parties will digitalize transport processes. An agreement was reached to accelerate the implementation of electronic systems: e-Permit, e-TIR, and e-CMR," the statement said.

Participants also highlighted the successful implementation of pilot projects among OTS countries. Notably, the exchange of international permit forms between member states will be fully transitioned to an electronic format, streamlining cross-border procedures.

The agreements reached during the session were widely seen as a step forward in enhancing regional connectivity, facilitating trade, and deepening economic integration among member states.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a final communiqué outlining the parties’ shared commitments to further strengthening transport cooperation.

The 9th Meeting of OTS Minsters of Transport is scheduled to take place in 2026 in Kyrgyzstan.

By Vafa Guliyeva