BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 19. Baku
International Sea Port has become one of the key hubs not only for
Azerbaijan but for the entire region's integration into the global
trade chain. Thanks to its infrastructure capabilities, it
optimizes cargo flows between Europe and Asia and plays a vital
role in the sustainable and efficient operation of the Middle
Corridor in conjunction with the railways. Eldar Salahov, the
director of Baku International Sea Port LLC, a subsidiary of
Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), gave an interview to Trend, sharing details
about the port’s development efforts and plans.
- Since the integration of Baku International Sea Port into
Azerbaijan Railways JSC, what key optimization measures have been
implemented? How have these changes affected the port’s operational
efficiency and service quality?
- Based on the decree of the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, dated February 25, 2025, to enhance the
efficiency and operational speed of transportation operations and
logistics processes in the railway sector, and to more fully meet
the needs of maritime transportation, Baku Port was transferred
under the Azerbaijan Railways CJSC structure. During the
integration process, Baku International Sea Port has been
undergoing a deep strategic optimization in logistics and
transportation. Primarily, port and railway operations have been
integrated under a unified management model, creating tighter
coordination between stages such as documentation, customs, cargo
unloading-loading, and transfer to the railway.
In a short period of time, the Unified Transit Center, launched
at the port, is an important practical outcome of this integration.
In this center, the State Customs Committee, the State Border
Service, the State Migration Service, Azerpost, and forwarding
companies now operate under one roof. As a result, the
documentation of cargo and transit procedures for vehicles has been
simplified, reducing time losses and logistical bottlenecks.
This structured and unified system has significantly increased
operational efficiency in the port-railway space. Looking at the
figures, in 2025, 8.2 million tons of cargo were handled at the
port, which represents an 8.1% increase compared to the same period
last year, and is the highest result achieved in the history of
independent Azerbaijan. Notably, over 107,200 TEUs were handled
last year, marking a 40% increase compared to 2024.
Thus, this integration is not just about structural change, but
also about enhancing operational agility, strengthening
customer-oriented services, and gaining a strategic advantage in
transit cargo flows.
- You mentioned that for the first time in 2025, the annual
container throughput at Baku Port exceeded 100,000 TEUs. What
prospects does this volume promise?
- In both international and regional logistics, there has been a
significant increase in the volume of containerized cargo. One of
the main reasons for this is that containerized transport is
considered to be more efficient and safer. As you know, when Baku
Port was first opened in 2018, its annual cargo handling capacity
was 15 million tons and 100,000 TEUs. However, after the
integration of the port with ADY at the beginning of last year, the
port’s annual container throughput capacity was quickly boosted to
150,000 TEUs. At the same time, additional cargo handling equipment
was attracted to the port, and modern logistical solutions were
implemented. Thanks to these steps and, most importantly, the
efforts of our professional team working around the clock, we have
successfully exceeded the 100,000 TEU mark. This result is not just
a statistical figure; it represents a significant achievement
supported by hard work and teamwork. The outcome has further
strengthened the trust of cargo owners and leading logistics
companies in us. Our partners continuously monitor the projects we
implement and the results we achieve. I am confident that this
year, we will exceed last year's record and achieve even higher
results.
- How does digitalization and the implementation of unified
platforms strengthen the operational transparency and customer
orientation of the port? What technological solutions have already
been implemented in this direction, and what are the plans for the
next phase?
- Digitalization has become one of the most prioritized
development directions for Baku Port in recent times, and after the
integration with Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), it has moved to a more
systematic stage. This approach significantly enhances the port’s
operational transparency, consolidates the flow of information, and
creates opportunities for a customer-oriented service model.
The first step in this direction is the development of a
next-generation Port Management Information System (PMIS). Due to
technical limitations that emerged during the operation of the
previous system from 2020 through 2023, work on a new concept
started in 2025. Currently, active work is being done in this
direction. The new system will integrate port operations related to
ships, cargo, wagons, trucks, and warehouses into a single
operational platform, enabling real-time monitoring of cargo
handling planning, queue management, bridge utilization, and
resource distribution. As a result of integration with other
systems, it will also be possible to provide customers with online
updates on the status of cargo, document processing, and
operational stages, further strengthening the port's
customer-centric service model.
The second major direction is a system that enables the
automation of all business processes in the port, integrating them
into a unified system. As part of this phased project, daily
operations related to procurement, finance, commercial activities,
operations, and control points are now being executed in a digital
environment. The integration chains between various modules
minimize the need for redundant data entry, reduce human errors,
and provide more comprehensive real-time reporting
capabilities.
The third key direction is the digitization of security and
surveillance infrastructure. In the first phase of the project,
modern surveillance and analytics equipment was installed at the
port, and the system was put into operation. Currently, efforts are
focused on activating service contracts and addressing any issues
in the existing analytics systems. In the next phase, a centralized
control zone will be created, where all surveillance and security
systems will be managed from a single panel. This will help in
identifying operational risks more quickly and organizing safer and
more controlled cargo and transportation movements within the port
area.
Overall, the transition to digitization and unified management
platforms at the port not only increases the transparency of
operations, control capabilities, and the speed of processes but
also creates a more predictable and agile service environment for
customers. Real-time data exchange, electronic documentation, and
the centralization of management processes reduce the operational
load on the port, enhance service quality, and strengthen the
port’s competitiveness.
- What role does Baku Port play in strengthening transport and
logistics connections along the Middle Corridor? What practical
steps are being taken to enhance coordination capabilities and
organize integrated services?
- Baku International Sea Port, as the main strategic hub along
the Middle Corridor, is a crucial infrastructure center that
ensures the seamless movement of multimodal transportation between
the East and the West. Azerbaijan's geographic position and the
national transport policy have transformed the port into not only a
cargo handling point but also a key logistics platform where
operations along the corridor are coordinated.
The "Action plan for enhancing the transit potential of
international transport corridors and promoting transit cargo
transportation through the territory of Azerbaijan for 2024–2026,"
approved by the President of Azerbaijan, placed special accent on
increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and
accelerating transit services. As part of this plan, significant
work is being done to optimize border-crossing operations, expand
the digital environment, implement unified dispatch management, and
integrate customs services at Baku Port.
The port is also expanding its cooperation frameworks with other
maritime and logistics centers in the region, enabling more agile
management of cargo flows. These interconnections are crucial for
maintaining the stability of transit routes, coordinating
operational planning in advance, and ensuring the smooth rhythm of
regional logistics processes. This approach not only ensures the
sustainable operation of the port but also creates favorable
conditions for the seamless and predictable execution of transit
shipments.
In line with the growing demand along the Middle Corridor, Baku
Port is continuously expanding its infrastructure. Under a Cabinet
of Ministers Decree, funds have been allocated to increase the
port's container handling capacity to 260,000 TEUs, with specific
tasks identified for this purpose. As part of this investment, new
cargo handling equipment is being acquired, the foundations of
bridges and container yards are being reinforced, the throughput
capacity of the sorting station is being increased, and dredging
works to ensure the safe acceptance of large vessels are
planned.
Ultimately, Baku Port serves as the central hub that determines
the operational resilience, cargo handling capacity, and speed of
logistics connections along the Middle Corridor in the country.
- In the context of growing international demand along the
Middle Corridor, what strategic partnerships or investment models
are being considered to attract more transit cargo flows to Baku
Port?
- The rapid growth of cargo volumes along the Middle Corridor
requires Baku Port to deepen its coordination with regional
partners. Currently, the port is focusing on expanding cooperation
mechanisms at both the intergovernmental and operator levels. Key
initiatives in this area include aligning tariffs with the main
countries along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route,
optimizing port services, and regulating the movement rhythm of
vessels. These joint efforts help make the Caspian Sea crossing
more predictable and ensure that cargo flows are directed through
Baku.
Baku Port is also exploring joint investment models to enhance
the resilience of corridor-based cargo flows. These include
expanding the Caspian Sea crossing potential, the joint use of
terminals, and integrating operational data between regional
ports.
In addition, to strengthen the port’s connections with European
and Asian transport networks, new cooperation formats with
international financial institutions and private investors are
being evaluated. Strategic priorities in this context involve
infrastructure investments, digitalization projects, and
partnerships aimed at increasing the port's capacity for container
and Ro-Ro operations to meet growing demand.
Overall, these initiatives aim to boost Baku Port’s competitive
position along the Middle Corridor, make the transit of cargo
through Baku more cost-effective and reliable, and increase the
long-term investment appeal of the corridor.
- What new requirements and challenges arise in port operations
due to the increasing cargo volumes? What priority projects are
being implemented to expand infrastructure and logistics services
to meet this growth?
- The dynamic increase in cargo transportation along the Middle
Corridor has introduced new requirements and challenges in Baku
Port’s operational system. The growing transit volumes have
highlighted key issues such as accommodating larger container
flows, managing bridge utilization levels, reducing waiting times
for transport vehicles, and increasing the throughput capacity of
terminals. Particularly during peak periods, congestion and the
existing technical equipment's inability to fully match the cargo
handling tempo have created a need for optimization.
Currently, Baku Port is focusing on several key areas to address
these challenges: 1) upgrading and expanding cargo handling
equipment to increase speed and throughput; 2) reinforcing bridges
and container yard foundations, enabling safer storage of cargo and
the ability to accept heavier shipments; 3) increasing the
throughput capacity of the sorting station, which will improve the
efficiency of the rail-road interface, reduce congestion, and
minimize delays; 4) dredging operations are planned to facilitate
the safe acceptance of larger vessels and accelerate vessel
turnaround time.
Moreover, one of the port's development directions includes a
large-scale concept for Phase II, which involves the construction
of new terminals, the expansion of multimodal logistics
infrastructure, and the creation of new service lines. This will
form a long-term, sustainable platform to accommodate the growing
cargo volumes in the coming years.
These infrastructure and logistics projects ensure that Baku
Port can meet increasing cargo flows, enhance operational agility,
and strengthen its position as a leading transit hub along the
Middle Corridor.
- What new initiatives are expected in the coming years to
strengthen Baku Port's collaboration with ports in regional
countries? What strategic steps are planned to enhance the port's
competitiveness in international transport corridors?
- In the near future, the main initiatives are concentrated in
several directions. Firstly, it's planned to harmonize operational
standards, service rules, and technological approaches between
ports. This will ensure equal cooperation in the region,
flexibility in cargo transit, and the operation of transit routes
at a uniform pace. Secondly, it's planned to exchange information
on cargo flows, ship schedules, weather conditions, and bridge
utilization on an electronic basis. This step will strengthen the
coordination required for transit and minimize waiting times.
In addition, the creation of multilateral cooperation platforms
between ports is also among the promising initiatives. Through
these mechanisms, it will be possible to conduct decision-making
processes between countries more efficiently and harmonize a
certain part of the common tariff approaches. This will create
conditions for the formation of unified logistics packages for the
participating countries and increase the attractiveness of the
route.
The port's next strategic steps in terms of increasing
competitiveness are broader. Expanding infrastructure capabilities,
modernizing bridges, and increasing container capacity are among
the main goals that will increase the port's transit capabilities.
At the same time, an operational model based on digitalization,
including real-time data exchange, electronic documentation, and
unified management systems, will increase the port's service
quality and strengthen its position as a logistics center in the
region. In general, the steps that Baku Port will take on regional
cooperation will be aimed at strengthening both operational
compatibility, standardization, and the strategic partnership
framework, and this approach will further strengthen Azerbaijan's
role as a transit country by increasing the port's competitive
advantage on international corridors.
