The topic of developing a transport corridor between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea was raised in 2018 during the Turkmenistan-Romania transport working group meeting. It is assumed that the logistic route will also pass through Azerbaijan and Georgia, with its reference points being the port of Turkmenbashi on the Caspian Sea (Turkmenistan) and the port of Constanta on the Black Sea (Romania). It was even predicted that an agreement to create such an international transport corridor would be signed in 2023, but this has not yet happened. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, representatives from Turkmenistan and Romania have confirmed their intention to draft such a document in 2024. This four-party agreement will also include Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Overall, the creation of the Caspian Sea – Black Sea transport corridor aligns with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which includes investments in developing logistical connections with Asian countries as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative. At the same time, the new logistic route could serve as an alternative route and a branch of the Trans-Caspian route, allowing for the shipment of goods from China to Europe while bypassing Russia. If the classic Trans-Caspian route runs from China through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and through Turkey to Europe, its alternative via ferry services along the Black Sea between Georgia and Romania could expedite cargo delivery and reduce the load on existing infrastructure.
It is also worth noting that Georgia and Bulgaria recently signed an agreement to resume ferry services that were suspended two years ago. Therefore, Bulgaria could be another option for the Caspian Sea – Black Sea transport corridor.
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