Russia Eyes Joint Sea-River Tanker Production with Azerbaijan

Russia plans to jointly produce sea-river tankers with Azerbaijan, according to Maxim Reshetnikov, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.

Reshetnikov shared this announcement during his speech at the VTB ‘Russia Calling!’ Investment Forum, The Caspian Post reports, citing local media.

“These are large-scale, promising projects,” Reshetnikov stated. “We invite foreign companies to actively participate in our joint efforts,” he stated.

He also stressed that the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor is a strategic priority for Russia and one of the key infrastructure projects for the coming years.

Noting that the International North-South Transport Corridor encompasses more than 100 projects aimed at strengthening Russia's transit potential and trade with the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Indian Ocean region, the minister emphasized that Russia is providing the project with all necessary resources, including full financing.

Reshetnikov outlined a multi-country development plan for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, highlighting the modernization of Russian infrastructure - including the Makhachkala port, the Astrakhan SEZ, and the Volga-Caspian Canal - as well as the launch of new transit services. Among the Caspian region partners, he emphasized new projects in Azerbaijan (Port of Alat) and Kazakhstan (ports of Aktau and Kuryk) to enhance regional connectivity.