Transport Potential of the Caspian Sea: Prospects and Limitations

This article addresses the Caspian Sea and its transport potential. Located at the junction of important geo-strategic regions in the center of Eurasia, the Caspian is an important component of the area’s transport system. Moreover, geopolitical struggles over transport potential are no less intense than competition for its energy resources. Two major strategic transport routes have been delineated: the EastWest route (or TRACECA); and the North-South route. Competition between routes actually has a positive effect on the development of transport infrastructure in the region. All project participants are striving to create the optimal conditions for transit and to increase the efficiency of infrastructure. As the result, the general appeal of the Caspian Sea as transport route has increased. At the same time, the transport sector offers an important economic opportunity for a number of countries in the context of the financial crisis and decline of oil prices.

Authors: Stanislav Pritchin
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