A new container terminal is planned to be built in the port zone in the Astrakhan region. The project is aimed at increasing the volume of traffic along the international transport corridor ‘North-South’ by at least 8 million tonnes by 2030.  This was announced by the Governor of the region Igor Babushkin.

Port potential and capacity development

According to the Governor's data, in 2024, 6 million tonnes of cargo were already transported through Astrakhan ports. However, their transshipment potential is up to 16 million tonnes per year, which creates the basis for large-scale growth. The new port infrastructure will improve logistics and reduce transit time for cargo, including that from Belarus.

The role of the North-South Corridor for Belarus

The North-South Corridor has become one of the key alternative routes. It links Russia, Iran, India and the Middle East via the Caspian Sea. The central branch runs through the Astrakhan region.

This is a strategically important direction for Belarus:
- BelZhD already sends cargoes along the route to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Iran and India
- In March 2025, a pilot delivery of potash fertilisers from Belarus to China via Russia and Iran took place - three full container trains were carried

What this means for Belarusian companies

• The new infrastructure opens an additional window for foreign economic supplies
• The port's handling capacity is adapted to Belarusian cargoes
• The transport corridor provides a sustainable and independent export route to the Asian region

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