Following the events of the last two years involving the unstable geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, the need for alternative freight routes between Asia and Europe has become exceedingly urgent to logistics companies seeking to maintain their market positions.
Spotlight on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route
The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which connects China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Europe, is experiencing significant growth in freight traffic. Kazakh Railways disclosed that in the first half of 2023 alone, the volume of goods transported along this route reached 1.3 million tons, a staggering 77.2% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022. During the first three quarters of 2023, a total of 2 million tons of cargo were transported along the TITR, an 88% increase versus the corresponding period in 2022 according to Kazakh media.
EU supporting and promoting TITR investment
In June 2023, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) conducted a study, funded by the European Commission, on ways to improve sustainable transport links and investments in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The study, part of the EU's Global Gateway strategy, recommended 33 infrastructure investments and seven soft connectivity measures like establishing a corridor management institution, digitizing transport documents, and coordinating tariff setting. These measures would enhance the efficiency and attractiveness of transport links in Central Asia.
AsstrA's Client-Centric Approach: Transport Solutions on the Trans-Caspian Route
AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG also observes a growing customer need for alternatives to conventional routes. The Trans-Caspian route is of particular interest for transportations from Europe to Central Asia in this regard. Thus, the company's experts implemented a project to deliver cargo from Finland to Kazakhstan. The route was constructed through Turkey, then the Caucasus, included ferry crossings from Helsinki to Tallinn and from Baku to Aktau, and ultimately covered 8,500 km. Thanks to AsstrA's extensive network of offices and trusted partners, the cargo was delivered to its final destination as quickly as possible.
"In response to the client's needs, we developed a route from Finland to Kazakhstan, considering the sanction restrictions that exclude transit through Russian territory. I am grateful to our colleagues from AsstrA Turkey, who are responsible for creating and operating this route, ensuring customer satisfaction and operational success," says Risto Eskelinen, Head of IPL Finland Department.