Multistakeholder Ro-Ro Set for Caspian Sea

Multistakeholder Ro-Ro Company to Be Established in the Caspian Sea

The MoU was signed during the European Union Global Gateway – Central Asia Investors Forum, held in Tashkent on 26–27 November, marking a critical milestone ahead of the formal establishment of the Caspian Ro-Ro Company (CRRC). The agreement initiates the technical, commercial, and institutional preparations required to launch the company.

A Strategic Project Aligned with the EU Global Gateway Vision

The initiative aims to create a transparent, sustainable, green, digital, and investor-friendly Ro-Ro operation model, fully aligned with the principles of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. Designed as an open platform for international investors, the project seeks to enhance cooperation among public and private stakeholders across Europe, Türkiye, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Once implemented, CRRC will address one of the most critical bottlenecks of the Middle Corridor by increasing capacity at the Caspian Sea crossing. The project is expected to significantly improve transit times and contribute to a more balanced, resilient, and sustainable Europe–Central Asia transport network. Digital integration, environmental sustainability, and modern Ro-Ro operational standards will form the backbone of the new structure.

Strengthening Caspian Connectivity

ASCO has formally expressed its willingness to participate in the initiative and has invited project stakeholders to Baku, signaling strong regional support. As feasibility studies near completion, CRRC is emerging as a strategic opportunity to strengthen connectivity in the Caspian region and accelerate sustainable Eurasian trade flows.

Strong Message of Regional Cooperation

Commenting on the agreement, Şerafettin Aras, Chairman of the Board of UND, stated:

“The International Transporters Association has played an active role in shaping this initiative, which will be of critical importance for the future of both the Turkish transport sector and the Middle Corridor. CRRC represents a strong example of regional cooperation. Supported not only by Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, but also by European Union institutions, this initiative will increase Caspian crossing capacity and contribute to the uninterrupted operation of the Middle Corridor.

Our objective as UND is to contribute not only to the transport sector, but also to regional development, sustainable trade, and the future vision of connectivity. By participating in this multilateral initiative, we aim to enhance the effectiveness of the Turkish transport sector along the Middle Corridor, help resolve structural challenges at the Caspian crossing, and establish a platform that builds trust, attracts investment, and strengthens long-term cooperation between the EU and regional countries.”

Aras also expressed appreciation to the EU Delegation to Türkiye, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), and the Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG NEAR) for their guidance and support throughout the process.

Objectives of the New Initiative

The initiative represents a strategic infrastructure investment that translates the EU Global Gateway objectives and the Middle Corridor vision into concrete action, contributing to a more integrated, reliable, and sustainable trade structure between Europe, Türkiye, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Through this initiative:

• Overdependence of Eurasian supply chains on a single transport route will be reduced, creating a more balanced and resilient structure for European and regional economies.

• The Caspian Sea will be positioned as a strategic corridor not only for energy transport but also for non-energy trade flows, supporting diversification of Europe–Central Asia logistics routes.

• Economic integration across Central Asia and the Caucasus will be accelerated through a high value-added connectivity project attractive to the EU, international financial institutions (IFIs), and private sector investors.

• A trust-building, long-term cooperation mechanism will be strengthened among Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and the European Union, fostering regional complementarity and sustainable development.

This initiative underscores the growing importance of multilateral cooperation in developing resilient and sustainable transport corridors linking Europe and Asia.