Baku:The volume of transit cargo passing through Azerbaijan has nearly doubled over the past five years, according to Rashad Hasanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport. This statement was made during a panel discussion at the 'German-Azerbaijani Strategic Partnership and Connectivity Conference 2026.'

According to Azeri-Press news agency, the deputy minister shared expectations of the transit cargo volume reaching approximately 16 million tonnes by the end of the year and projecting an increase to 30 million tonnes by 2030. He emphasized the rapid growth in container transportation, noting a more than 30% increase in volume at the Port of Baku during the first nine months compared to the same period last year.

Hasanov highlighted Azerbaijan's proactive approach to staying ahead of demand by improving operations, which has increased the port's container handling capacity from 100,000 TEU to above 100,000 TEU. With the second phase of expansion, this capacity is expected to reach 500,000 TEU. Additionally, the planned Zangezur Corridor connection to Türkiye via Nakhchivan aims to create a new south-western route with a freight capacity of up to 15 million tonnes.

The Caspian fleet plays a significant role in this development, with six additional small container ships currently operational. The fleet is expanding, and Baku Shipyard is building four container ships for ADY Ports and Kazakhstan Railways, marking the shipyard's first international orders.