World Bank: Flows along Middle Corridor via Caspian Sea expected to triple by 2030

In a scenario where the Middle Corridor (MC) is operationalized, flows along the MC via the Caspian Sea are expected to triple by 2030 vs 2021 to 11 million tonnes, Report informs, citing the World Bank.

According to the bank, of the total flows via the Caspian Sea, approximately 4 million tonnes would represent the projected demand for container transportation: “If improvements to the MC are not implemented, the transportation demand will be 35 percent lower than the projected increase. Trade between Europe and Kazakhstan as well as Europe and China will account for the largest part of transit cargo volumes along the MC.”

“The development will also diversify flows, favoring high value-added commodities, such as fertilizer - anticipated to nearly double. Other commodities positively affected include articles of metals, prepared foodstuff, machinery, and chemicals. The share of raw materials will be reduced from 60 percent to 53 percent. While for ‘core’ MC connections via the Caspian Sea, such as oil and oil products, as well as ferrous and non-ferrous metals, will still represent important volumes,” the bank said.