On August 15, 2024, a meeting with representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) was held at the headquarters of the International Association “Trans-Caspian International Transport Route” (TITR Association). The meeting was attended by UNDP Resident Representative in Kazakhstan Katarzyna Wawernia and Analyst of the Effective Governance Department Aimgul Nurgaliyeva.
A Polish delegation visited the Belgorod-Dnistrovsky Commercial Sea Port, considering the possibility of participating in its privatization. This information was confirmed by the former Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Viktor Dovgan, noting that this could be a promising Polish investment in the Black Sea region.
UAE port and logistics operator AD Ports has acquired a 60% stake in the Tbilisi Dry Port logistics complex in the Georgian capital, according to an agreement with project initiator Inveco. The complex is expected to begin operations in October, with direct rail links to the ports of Poti and Batumi, 335 km and 380 km away, respectively.
In July, KTZh LLP – Freight Transportation successfully fulfilled and exceeded all planned operational indicators. The total freight turnover amounted to 23.192 million net tonne-kilometers, which is 5.1% higher than the planned target and last year’s indicators. Loading reached 21.953 million tons, exceeding the monthly plan by 5.5% and the July 2023 level by 1.2%.
In Ukraine, in the Zakarpattia region, on the border with Hungary and Romania, a new multimodal terminal “Terminal Chornotisiv” has started operating. This is a modern “dry port” designed for handling various cargoes, including agricultural products, sunflower oil and, in the future, petroleum products, for further transportation around the world.
RTSB is launching a new regular rail route between Malaševicė and Belgrade, which will be operational in September. The weekly shuttle will provide fast delivery of goods in 3 days, connecting Malaševicė with the trimodal terminal in Pancevo, which will allow for flexible transportation by truck, rail or barge.
After a weak start to the year in a difficult economic environment, Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) closed the first half of 2024 with positive financial results. The company’s revenue increased by 4.6% to €760.3 million, while operating profit (EBIT) increased by 16.8% to €58.9 million. The company’s profit after tax and minority interests amounted to €13.2 million, up €5 million compared to the same period last year.
Speaking at the VI Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of developing the region’s transit and transport potential. He noted the need to adopt a Comprehensive Strategy for the Development of the Central Asian Transport System, including key projects such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, the North-South Corridor, and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan continue to develop the eastern direction of the international North-South corridor, discussing key projects aimed at increasing cargo flow. Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Serik Zhumangarin and the head of the Turkmen transport agency Mammetkhan Chakyev met in Astana to discuss the construction of the Turgundi-Herat railway, which should strengthen logistics ties with China.
In January-July 2024, the Port of Helsinki increased its cargo turnover by 1.3% compared to the same period last year, reaching 8.2 million tons. The largest increase was demonstrated by the handling of packaged cargo, which rose by 6.9%, amounting to 7.2 million tons, while the handling of bulk cargo decreased by 21.9% to 605.6 thousand tons.
