International Operator To Develop Middle Volga–Caspian–Persian Gulf Logistics

The “Middle Volga-Caspian International Logistics Forum” has been held in Ulyanovsk, attended by delegations from Russia, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Iran, an important event to discuss operations along the Middle and Southern Corridor aspect of the International North-South Transport Corridor.

There are now plans to create a single logistics operator to develop the Middle Volga–Caspian–Persian Gulf route, with agreement on this reached. Such an operator is expected to provide seamless logistics from the Volga region and Central Russia to the Caspian Sea ports and Indian terminals with reverse delivery.

The project will also help systematize existing supplies to Azerbaijan, transit supplies to Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and involve new shippers in exports from Russia’s Volga basin region, which includes Ulyanovsk.

Similar to the plans for developing Nizhny Novgorod Ulyanovsk is also located on the Volga River and is 705 km east of Moscow. The Volga ultimately empties out into the Caspian Sea at Astrakhan, giving the city access to markets in the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. Ulyanovsk has a population of about 620,000 and is a major, diversified, industrial hub for the aircraft and auto industries.

Alexey Russkikh, the Ulyanovsk Regional Governor, said, “We work to expand trade cooperation between local manufacturers and countries in the Caspian region and the Middle East. Our task is to create new opportunities for companies to export products. We promote the Middle Volga-Caspian Sea-Persian Gulf route, which is part of the North-South corridor. This will help optimize delivery times, reduce logistics costs, and minimize risks under sanctions.”

Roman Akhundov, a director of Russia’s Alfa Group, added, “The Middle Volga-Caspian Sea-Persian Gulf route allows for a significant reduction in delivery times and logistics costs. We plan to create a complete logistics center here that will facilitate the organization of exports of local products and goods manufactured in the Volga Federal District to the Persian Gulf countries.”

In 2024, 57 dry cargo vessels loaded with agricultural products shipped from Ulyanovsk port terminals to the Caspian and Black Sea ports. This year, 90 railcars will be dispatched with reverse cargo. This includes construction materials, food products, and agricultural products.

A decision was also made at the forum to establish a logistics center in Ulyanovsk, while the proposed single operator will probably be based on a consortium involving leading logistics companies from each of the participating nations.