A strategic Memorandum of Understanding was signed between UND, Albayrak Group of Companies and Kazakhstan Railways to develop a modern, sustainable and multi-stakeholder Ro-Ro service in the Caspian Sea. Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) also announced its participation in the initiative.

An significant step has been taken to establish a modern and multi-stakeholder Ro-Ro service in the Caspian Sea. A strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UND (International Transporters Association) and Albayrak Group of Companies from Turkey and National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) from Kazakhstan on the development of a modern, sustainable and multi-stakeholder Ro-Ro service in the Caspian Sea within the scope of the European Union Global Gateway – Central Asia Investors Forum held in Tashkent on November 26–27.
This agreement is a critical step that initiates the technical, commercial and institutional preparation process before the official establishment of CRRC – Caspian Ro-Ro Company. The initiative aims to create a Ro-Ro operating model that is transparent, sustainable, green, digital and open to international investors, in line with the European Union’s Global Gateway principles.
The implementation of the CRRC will increase the capacity of the Caspian Sea crossing, the most critical bottleneck of the Middle Corridor; It aims to improve transit times and make Europe-Central Asia shipping more balanced, resilient, and sustainable. Digital integration, environmental sustainability and modern Ro-Ro operation stand out as key elements in the planned structure.
Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) officially conveyed its intention to join the initiative to the parties and declared its readiness to make a constructive contribution to the process, inviting them to Baku. With feasibility studies nearing completion, the CRRC presents a significant strategic opportunity for strengthening the Caspian Region connectivity corridor and accelerating sustainable Eurasian trade connections.

Aras: “The CRRC is a strong example of regional cooperation.”
UND Chairman Şerafettin Aras commented on the cooperation:
“The International Freight Forwarders Association has played a significant role in shaping this initiative, which will be critical to the future of the Turkish transport sector and the Middle Corridor. The CRRC is a good example of cooperation among regional countries. This initiative, supported by Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan, as well as European Union institutions, will contribute to the uninterrupted operation of the Middle Corridor by increasing the capacity of the Caspian Sea crossing. As UND, our goal is to contribute not only to the transport sector but also to regional development, the sustainability of trade, and the vision of future connectivity. We believe that by participating in this multilateral initiative, the Turkish transport sector will increase its influence on the Middle Corridor, contribute to resolving the structural problems in the Caspian Sea crossing, and create a platform that builds confidence, attracts investment, and strengthens long-term cooperation between the EU and regional countries.” President Aras also said, “On this occasion, we extend our sincere gratitude to the EU Delegation to Turkey, the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), and the Directorate General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighborhood, for their support and guidance at every stage of the process by announcing the project.”

PURPOSE OF THE NEW INITIATIVE
This initiative embodies the European Union’s Global Gateway objectives and the Middle Corridor vision; it is a strategic infrastructure investment initiative that will contribute to the establishment of a more integrated, reliable, and sustainable trade structure between Europe, Turkey, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Thus:

1. The excessive dependence of Eurasian supply chains on a single route will be reduced, creating a more balanced and resilient structure for European and regional economies.
2. The Caspian Sea will be transformed into a strategic transit area for non-energy trade, contributing to the diversification of goods flows between Europe and Central Asia.
3. A connectivity project will be implemented to accelerate economic integration in Central Asia and the Caucasus, creating high added value for the EU, international financial institutions (IFIs), and private sector investors.
4. The foundation of a structural mechanism that builds confidence, supports long-term cooperation, and fosters regional complementarity among Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and the European Union will be strengthened.