Caucasus

DP World (UAE), one of the world’s largest port operators, has begun design work on a new multimodal logistics complex, the DP World Tashkent Freight Terminal, in Uzbekistan. Total investment in the project is estimated at $288 million. Construction will be carried out in two phases: design work is currently underway, and construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in June 2027 and be completed by March 2028.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly restricted amid persistent security risks. US authorities have announced the launch of a $20 billion reinsurance program designed to encourage shipping companies to return to the route. Washington believes the new scheme should reduce insurance risks and support the restoration of cargo flows through one of the world’s key energy and trade corridors.

On March 3, Silkway CA, a joint venture of the international PTC Holding group, signed an EPC contract in Tashkent with China Railway Construction Engineering Group for the construction of the first phase of a multi-functional modern logistics center. The project will be one of the largest private infrastructure projects in Central Asia and is aimed at developing regional logistics infrastructure.

Approximately 90% of cargo shipped from the Kazakh port of Kuryk is destined for Baku, from where it is then transported to international markets. This was announced following a meeting between Yerkyn Nykhmetov, General Director of Kuryk Port LLP, and representatives of the Baku International Sea Port, the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company, and the AZCON transport and communications holding company.

Logistics company Gebrüder Weiss is expanding its transportation services between China and Georgia, launching a new weekly truck service to Tbilisi. The service is aimed at companies in the South Caucasus countries that regularly import Chinese products, including electronics, consumer goods, and spare parts for machinery and automobiles. The new service is primarily designed for small shipments, which are consolidated from multiple customers for more cost-effective delivery.

Global port operator DP World has entered into a strategic agreement with APM Terminals to jointly develop the South Container Terminal at the Port of Jeddah. As part of the deal, APM Terminals will acquire a minority 37.5% stake, while DP World will retain a controlling 62.5% stake and continue to manage the facility. The agreement formalizes APM Terminals’ ownership of the terminal while maintaining the existing operating model.

The freight division of KTZ Express, together with Georgian Railways and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, have completed the main stage of digitalizing freight transportation between the countries. The project was launched in August 2025 to develop the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and in October, the heads of the railway administrations of the three countries approved a joint action plan in Almaty.

Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), part of the AZCON holding, visited the Turkmenbashi International Seaport as part of his official visit to Turkmenistan. Port Director Parahat Jumayev presented the delegation with a detailed overview of the port’s infrastructure, technical capabilities, and transit potential.

On February 10, 2026, a quadripartite meeting was held in Ashgabat with the participation of Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), part of AZCON Holding; Mammed Akmammedov, Minister of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan; Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways; and Lasha Abashidze, Director General of Georgian Railways. The parties discussed key areas of cooperation in the railway sector and prospects for joint development of the Middle Corridor as a strategic transit route in the region.

On February 9, 2026, Azerbaijan Railways Chairman Rovshan Rustamov held a working meeting in Tashkent with Zufar Narzullaev, Chairman of the Board of Uzbekistan Railways, and Lasha Abashidze, CEO of Georgian Railways. The Azerbaijani company is part of AZCON Holding.