A new container and breakbulk shipping line from Marmara to the Caspian Sea, via the Russian inland waterways, saw the completion of its trial voyage at the end of last month.
The new shipping route, called the Turkey – Caspian line, to be jointly launched by P&O Maritime Logistics with the support of DP World Yarimca and several other DP World group companies, will provide regular container-based shipping between these markets for the first time.
The Turkey – Caspian line provides speed and cost advantages, while also reducing carbon emissions by 17% compared to road-based transportation.
In 2020, approximately US$31.2billion in trade took place between Turkey, Russia and Central Asia. The region accounts for 6% of Turkey's exports and 9.6% of Turkey's imports. In the same year, US$17.8 billion of imports and US$4.5 billion of exports were made with Russia, one of Turkey's largest trade partners.
Kris Adams, CEO of DP World Yarımca, said: “The new Turkey – Caspian line between Turkey and the Caspian Sea makes the movement of goods more streamlined and less costly. With our knowledge of the trade networks between these countries, we are aiming to support our customers to be more competitive in these markets.
“With trade booming between these regions, the opening of a new sea route will undoubtedly be a boon to firms operating in these markets.”
By Jake Frith
