China to increase block train shipments to Azerbaijan PHOTO

China plans to increase the number of block trains sent to Azerbaijan by the end of 2025.

The announcement was made during meetings between ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov and Chinese transport and logistics companies as part of his working visit to China, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY).

In 2024, Azerbaijan received 287 block trains from China, and 199 block trains were received in the first six months of this year. By the end of 2025, the number is expected to exceed 400 block trains.

During the meetings, both sides highlighted the organisation of regular rail services along the Lianyungang–Baku route as one of the priority areas.

It was also noted that the Baku International Sea Trade Port was recently officially integrated into the structure of ADY, which enables more efficient coordination between the port and railway operations, offering comprehensive and optimised logistics services to international partners.

“The Baku Port plays a key role in ensuring cargo flow between Asia and Europe. At present, the port has an annual cargo transshipment capacity of 15 million tonnes, including 150,000 TEU containers. In the future, the total capacity is expected to reach 25 million tonnes, including 500,000 TEU containers,” Rustamov noted.

The meetings also covered the details of the agreement signed in April this year on the purchase of seven new locomotives from China, the organisation of training and technical education courses for ADY specialists, technical solutions, production capabilities, and experience-sharing.

Participants also pointed to the potential for increasing cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor. Key issues discussed included the use of digital solutions to expand container traffic and optimise logistics along the China–Azerbaijan–China route, coordination of an action plan for increasing shipments in the second half of 2025, and integration of port and rail infrastructure.

The ADY delegation’s visit to China will continue until July 11.

By Kheyraddin Nasirzade