The importance of the Baku International Sea Trade Port (BISTP) in the global integration of Europe and Asia along the Middle Corridor was emphasized after a meeting between the port management and the representative of the European Union for Central Asia. Special Representative Terhi Hakala visited the port in Alyat as part of his visit to Azerbaijan.
Liliana Krutonog, General Director of MALBI-trans, in her speech emphasized the importance of transit potential and routes through Kazakhstan from the point of view of a European forwarder. Their Czech company, although a private entity, received a significant impetus for development last year by becoming the official agent of the Czech railways – ČD Cargo. These powers enable the most efficient use of ČD Cargo’s infrastructure and services, including the locomotive and wagon fleet, terminals, warehouses and existing transport solutions.
The presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan discussed issues of stability and security in the Central Asian region during their recent talks. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev also discussed preparations for the sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and prospects for cooperation in C5+ formats.
Altynbek Akylbekov, Deputy Head of the Branch and Head of Logistics in Kazakhstan and Central Asia of DB Cargo Eurasia, presented the company’s main achievements, which include the first transit shipments along the Silk Road between China and Europe, as well as the formation of key routes such as Chuntsun-Duisburg. They organized these transportations jointly with Chinese, Russian, Kazakh and German railways, and their experience and development history began to take shape back in 2008.
As a result of the official visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Armenia, key documents were signed aimed at strengthening transport cooperation between the two countries. Air carriers of both countries can now operate mutual flights without restrictions, which helps strengthen air ties and exchange passengers.
COSCO Corporation, the world’s largest bulk carrier and one of the top ten container operators, delivering approximately 180 million tons of cargo annually, has drawn attention to PTC Holding’s strategy. A year ago, PTC Holding, as part of its strategy aimed at closer interaction with customers, confidently entered the Chinese logistics services market. PTC Freight Agency has opened a subsidiary in Shanghai, highlighting their commitment to expanding their presence and deepening customer engagement in key regions.
Yew Ming Leng, Assistant Vice President for Central Asia and the Caucasus (PSA International), spoke about PSA International and its achievements in the development of transport corridors, especially in China, and how they strive to bring this experience to Kazakhstan, with a special focus attention to the Middle corridor.
The Port of Klaipeda achieved a historic milestone with its inaugural ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation. On April 9, the LNG tanker Avenir Aspiration successfully bunkered 326 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas to the 170-meter CMA CGM container vessel Containerships Aurora, showcasing the port’s dedication to sustainable maritime services. CMA CGM, which currently operates three LNG-powered vessels in the Baltic Sea, plans to expand its LNG-powered fleet to six in the near future, further solidifying Klaipeda’s position as a key player in green shipping initiatives.
Vincent Hascoet, expert on intermodal and strategic business development in the EMEA – CIS region at HHLA Project Logistics, presented the Port of Hamburg in Kazakhstan. He began his speech with the fact that Kazakhstan is of strategic importance as a crossroads of important trade routes connecting various regions. It is also noted that HHLA pays special attention to oversized shipments, which are becoming increasingly in demand in the context of changing geopolitical circumstances.
Riga Port has joined hands with Cartagena (Spain), Trieste, and Monfalcone (Italy) ports, alongside North Sea ports (Belgium, the Netherlands), to establish the Association of Four Sea Ports. This collaboration aims to bolster sustainability, energy, digitalization, and European transport in port operations. Through shared expertise and experience, the association seeks to foster operational synergy among ports, inviting others to join.
