Landlocked Uzbekistan Builds Caspian Fleet to Unlock Key Trade Route

In a major strategic move to overcome its geographical isolation, the doubly landlocked nation of Uzbekistan is establishing its own merchant fleet on the Caspian Sea. The initiative is designed to significantly boost cargo capacity along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), also known as the Middle Corridor, a vital trade artery connecting Asia and Europe.

According to Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport, Ilkhom Mahkamov, the decision to launch Uzbek-flagged ferries follows a visit by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan. The new fleet directly addresses a 25% surge in cargo traffic and crippling logistical bottlenecks, where shippers face waits of up to 40 days for available vessels. This project is seen as crucial for stimulating Uzbekistan’s economy by securing a reliable and efficient alternative to traditional northern and southern trade routes.

The ambitious plan is bolstered by key international partnerships. Turkish companies will assist in managing the new ships, while Azerbaijan will contribute to their design and construction. A corresponding agreement valued at $150 million was signed by the leaders of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in Baku. Further strengthening the corridor, Azerbaijan has extended a 70% discount on rail container transport through its territory until the end of 2026.

However, some experts believe a fleet alone is not a complete solution. Stanislav Pritchin, a Central Asia expert at the Russian Academy of Sciences’ IMEMO, argues that Uzbekistan needs its own port infrastructure on the Caspian to effectively control its logistics chain. Without its own terminals, Uzbekistan remains dependent on partners who will likely prioritize their own national cargo. To become a truly competitive player in the region, Pritchin stresses, a dedicated port is as essential as the ships themselves.

Recognizing this challenge, Tashkent is already working on a feasibility study for its own terminal in the Port of Baku. This Caspian ambition is part of a broader national strategy to diversify access to global waters. A similar project to create a logistics center in Iran’s Shahid Rajaai port has been put on hold due to instability, prompting Uzbekistan to explore an alternative hub at the port of Karachi in Pakistan, underscoring its determined push for global market access.