Kazakhstan Opens "Window to Europe" via the Caspian Sea

Kazakhstan has launched new export deliveries to Europe via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), QRNews reports with reference to Baq.kz.

KTZ Express, a subsidiary of the national railway company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has dispatched a pilot shipment of Kazakh crushed rice destined for the Port of Antwerp in the Kingdom of Belgium. The cargo was transported through a multimodal logistics chain, utilizing rail transport before being transferred to vessels crossing the Caspian and Black Seas.

The logistics route was established as follows: Kyzylorda – Port of Aktau – Port of Poti – Port of Antwerp. The maritime leg between the Port of Poti (Georgia) and Antwerp is carried out in partnership with the CMA CGM Group, a leading international shipping and logistics firm.

Previously, such cargo was transported exclusively by land through the Semiglavy Mar border crossing, continuing through Brest and Duisburg to Antwerp. However, the new Caspian route has proven to be more cost-effective. The total delivery time is estimated at approximately 30 days.

According to industry experts, the development of the TITR (also known as the Middle Corridor) will significantly bolster Kazakhstan's export potential and enhance strategic access to European markets.