KTZ: up to 20 containerships on Aktau–Alyat by 2028; transit target 10–12 days

KTZ deputy board chair Erlan Koishibaev, speaking at a panel of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku, outlined Trans-Caspian (TITR / Middle Corridor) figures. Caspian Herald reported this on 19 October 2026.

In the first eight months of 2026 the route carried about 44,000 TEU — 58% more than a year earlier. China–Europe container transit via the Middle Corridor takes 13–17 days versus 30–45 days by deep-sea; the stated goal is a stable 10–12 days.

Kazakhstan is expanding Caspian containership capacity on Aktau — Alyat: by 2028 a specialised fleet of up to 20 vessels is planned for China–Caspian–Europe both ways; four ships are under construction at Baku Shipyard. A joint roadmap, a digital single window and Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd. (railways of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia and China) were also noted.

For project and multimodal moves this is a Caspian-leg cue: lowbeds and road-trains to the port, then ferry and rail on China — Kazakhstan — Azerbaijan — Georgia — Türkiye. Gateway Logistics builds these chains end-to-end.

Source: Caspian Herald, 19 October 2026.