Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan to launch joint Caspian fleet for Middle Corridor
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Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan plan to establish a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea and launch a joint venture between their national freight operators. The initiative aims to improve multimodal transport and enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor, a trade route linking China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus.
The Joint Fleet Plan
Uzbekistan's Deputy Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade announced the plan in an interview with the Report news agency on July 7. The joint fleet will operate on the Caspian Sea, with a joint venture between the national freight operators of both countries. The move is expected to reduce transit times and costs along the Middle Corridor.
Middle Corridor Context
The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, has gained significance amid geopolitical shifts. In 2025, cargo volumes on the route increased by 62% year-on-year, reaching 4.5 million tons, according to the Astana Times. The corridor offers an alternative to traditional routes through Russia.
What's Next
The joint venture is expected to be formalized in the coming months, with operational details still under discussion. It remains unclear how the fleet will be financed and whether other Caspian littoral states will support the initiative.
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Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan to launch joint Caspian fleet for Middle Corridor
