Baku's Ports: Trade And Transport In Azerbaijan

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, has a long history as a significant port city, strategically located on the ancient Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia. The Baku International Sea Trade Port, established in 1902, has played a vital role in maritime trade and has grown to become the largest and busiest port on the Caspian Sea. Baku's port is a prime transport and logistics hub, facilitating trade and contributing to the sustainable growth and diversification of Azerbaijan's economy. With its modern operating system, cargo terminals, and storage facilities, Baku's port enables efficient movement of goods and passengers, solidifying its position as a key link in the international trade network.

Baku International Sea Trade Port is the largest port in the Caspian Sea

Baku International Sea Trade Port is the largest port facility on the Caspian Sea. It is located on the ancient Silk Road, which connects Europe and Asia, and is a prime transport hub of Eurasia. The port is situated 70km from the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, and covers an area of 400 hectares.

The Baku Trade Port Authority began operations in 1902, and the port quickly became the busiest in the Russian Empire, surpassing Saint Petersburg in cargo transshipments. Baku has long been a significant port, with historical documents and records confirming its role as a major player on the Caspian Sea, engaging in trade with various states.

The modern Baku port lies at the crossroads of the Silk Road and principal transportation corridors, and its stakeholders aim to transform it into a crucial intermodal logistics hub in Eurasia. It is an essential transit point for trade between Asia and Europe.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port has a total handling capacity of 15 million tons of general cargo and 100,000 TEUs annually. It has 13 berths, including a Ro-Ro, a ferry terminal, and a general cargo terminal. The port's capacity is expected to increase further with the completion of the second stage of construction, which will allow for 25 million tons of cargo and 500,000 TEU containers annually.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port has been recognised for its environmental initiatives, becoming the first port in the Caspian region to be awarded the "Eco Ports" (Green Port) certificate by the European Sea Ports Organization in 2019. The port has set a goal of reaching zero net emissions by 2035 and has implemented various green projects, including tree-planting initiatives and the adoption of eco-cars.

It is located on the ancient Silk Road connecting Europe and Asia

Azerbaijan is a transcontinental country situated on the border of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. Baku, its capital, is located on the ancient Silk Road, which connected Europe and Asia. The Baku International Marine Trade Port is the biggest facility on the Caspian Sea and has been the busiest port in the Caspian Sea region since its establishment in 1902. It is a prime transport and logistics hub of Eurasia, providing prompt cargo services and storage facilities for all types of cargo. The port is located 70km from the capital, Baku, and has 13 berths, including a Ro-Ro, a ferry terminal, and a general cargo terminal.

The Baku port has a long and rich history, with evidence of human settlements in the area dating back to before the time of Christ. Written records first mention the port in 885 AD, and it served as the capital of the Shirvan Shahs from the 12th to the 14th centuries. In the 15th century, oil was abundant in the Baku region, and people used it for lighting lamps. In 1564, a decree by Safavid ruler Tahmasib I appointed Sheikh Zahid as the first minister of the Baku port, highlighting its significance.

The Baku port's strategic location on the ancient Silk Road has contributed to its success as a major trade hub. The Silk Road was a diffuse network of trade routes that allowed goods to be transported across vast distances in the ancient world. The Baku port connected East and West, facilitating trade between Asia and Europe.

In addition to its role as a trade hub, Baku has a vibrant culture and history. The city's old town, with its narrow alleys, cobbled streets, and mosques, offers a glimpse into the past. Baku is also known for its silk industry, with Sheki, a town near Baku, being a major silk-trading center well into the 19th century.

Today, Baku continues to be an important economic center, with a diverse range of industries, including shipbuilding, food processing, and manufacturing. The Baku International Sea Trade Port is expected to further enhance the city's position as a key logistics hub in Eurasia.

The Port of Baku has been operational since the 1500s

The Port of Baku has been a key transport hub since the Middle Ages, when it was located on the ancient Silk Road. However, its roots go back even further, with evidence of human settlements in the region dating back to the Stone Age.

Baku's maritime trade began in the 1500s, with the appointment of Sheikh Zahid as the first minister of the Port of Baku in 1564. The port has been integral to the city's prosperity, with traders from across the world, particularly India, travelling to Baku during the Early Modern period. The city's reputation as a trading hub was enhanced by its oil wealth—people had been using oil from surface wells for lighting since the 15th century.

The Port of Baku became the busiest port in the Russian Empire in 1902, when it began operating as an independent port. By 1911, eight out of the nine motor ships in the Russian fleet were based at Baku. The port's success continued into the Soviet era, with Baku becoming the leading port of the USSR on the Caspian Sea.

The Port of Baku remains a significant transport and logistics hub in Eurasia. It is the biggest facility on the Caspian Sea, with a handling capacity of 15 million tons of general cargo and 100,000 TEUs annually. The port has continued to develop, with the completion of the first stage of construction in 2018, increasing its capacity.

It is a prime transport and logistics hub of Eurasia

The Port of Baku is a prime transport and logistics hub of Eurasia. Located on the ancient Silk Road, which connects Europe and Asia, Baku is a vital link between the two continents. It is also a key part of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, providing prompt cargo services and storage facilities for all types of cargo. The port has a total of 13 berths, including a Ro-Ro, a ferry terminal, and a general cargo terminal. It covers 400 hectares, and its strategic activity contributes to 11 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Baku has been an important port since ancient times, with historical documents and records confirming its role as a major port on the Caspian Sea. It has been the biggest and busiest port in the Caspian Sea region since its establishment in 1902. Baku's importance has only grown over time, especially with the increase in the region's oil trade and the development of offshore drilling businesses. The port has modern facilities and is easily accessible, making it a competitive option for international traders.

The Baku International Sea Trade Port is made up of several terminals, including the Main Cargo Terminal, the Dubendy Oil Terminal, the Ferry Terminal, and the Passenger Terminal. The port has a throughput capacity of up to 15 million tons of liquid bulk and up to 10 million tons of dry cargoes. The Main Cargo Terminal has six berths with a total length of 866 meters and a depth of seven meters. It is equipped with 16 cranes and eight kilometers of railway. The Ferry Terminal plays a crucial role in the TRACECA-RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC SILK ROUTE project, facilitating trade between Europe and Asia. The Passenger Terminal has a 344-meter wharf for ships travelling between the Caspian sea ports and is also used by passengers working on oil rigs and drilling platforms in the region.

The Port of Baku is directly linked to the Azerbaijan rail network and is an essential segment of the country's logistics infrastructure. It is assessed throughout the year and is not affected by weather conditions. Baku's strategic location and modern operating systems have established it as a prime transport and logistics hub in Eurasia, contributing significantly to the country's economy and trade connections with neighbouring countries.

The port has been awarded the Eco Ports (Green Port) certificate

The Port of Baku, located on the ancient Silk Road, is a major transport and logistics hub in Eurasia. In 2019, the port was awarded the Eco Ports (Green Port) certificate by the European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO). This was the first time a port in the Caspian region received this recognition. The Eco Ports certificate is a testament to the Port of Baku's commitment to environmental sustainability and its alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The Harbor Environmental Analysis System (PERS) is a specific standard for raising awareness of the harbour environment in Europe and helping ports achieve sustainable development goals. The Port of Baku has successfully met these standards, promoting the use of advanced technologies in energy efficiency, waste management, air quality, digitisation, and automation.

The EcoPorts certification also requires ports to make their environmental policies public. During the awards ceremony, the Director-General of the Baku Harbour emphasised their "true faith in a green and sustainable future", with the port's environmental initiatives setting an example for other ports in the region.

The Port of Baku has also set ambitious goals for the future, including reaching zero net emissions by 2035 through its Climate Strategy 2035 Action Plan. This plan addresses vessel emissions, which constitute 71% of the port's total emissions. To support this goal, the port has implemented various green projects, including tree-planting initiatives and the introduction of eco-cars. The port also serves as an educational space, offering robotics, coding, and STEAM courses for local schoolchildren.

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