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China introduces new rail service to increase freight to Europe via the Caspian Sea

Posted on July 18, 2024 |

China plans to increase container volumes through its Middle Corridor rail services and the Caspian Sea by four times this year.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping launched the new China-Europe Railway Express, using a hybrid model to speed up services to Europe.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) starts from Lianyungang, China, passing through Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, and Georgia on its way to Europe.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there has been increased interest from shippers worried about potential sanctions affecting rail traffic through Russia.

The hybrid sea-rail route via the Caspian Sea offers a transit time of just 12 days from China to Europe, making the Middle Corridor more appealing.

Despite concerns initially about infrastructure and capacity, about 60 container trains have used the Middle Corridor since the year began.

The launch of the new rail service aims to encourage more shippers to use the route, strengthening the Middle Corridor's viability.

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