First container train from Ukraine to China passes through Azerbaijan

A trial container train linking Ukraine to China through the Black and Caspian Seas departed from the Baku International Sea Trade Port to Aktau, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan's Caspian Shipping Company CJSC said Saturday.

The train, which departed from the ferry terminal of the Baku port in Alat late Friday night, is expected to arrive in Aktau Saturday night, according to the CJSC.

The container train, which consists of 20 containers, will deliver cargo from Illichivsk, Ukraine, to Dostyk (China) within 11-12 days.

The container train on route Ukraine-Georgia-Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan-China, officially known as Trans-Caucasus-Asia transport corridor or New Silk Road, left the Ukrainian port of Illichivsk on Jan. 15. The new route, which included ferries of the Black and Caspian Seas (Illichivsk-Batumi and Alat-Aktau Port), is believed to be cheaper in comparison with the traditional overland route.

On Jan. 14, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia signed a protocol on the establishment of preferential tariffs for cargo transportation on this transport route.

Chinese President Xi Jinping was the first to announce the initiative to create a transport and trade corridor between Central Asia and Europe during his visit to Astana, Kazakhstan, in September 2013.

The new route is believed to allow redirecting cargo flows in the eastern direction bypassing the territory of the Russian Federation, which bans transit of any goods from Ukraine through its territory, regardless of the country of final destination. Endit