AD Ports Group Awards Contract to Baku Shipyard for Two New Container Vessels to Boost Caspian Sea Trade

AD Ports Group Awards Contract to Baku Shipyard for Construction of Two Container Vessels to Enhance Caspian Sea Trade SHUSHA, Azerbaijan, 17th September, 2025 – AD Ports Group has taken a significant step forward in expanding its regional footprint, announcing the awarding of a contract to Baku Shipyard for the construction of two 780 TEUs container vessels. These new ships are tailored for service on trade routes across the Caspian Sea, responding to the rising demand for efficient maritime connectivity and containerised cargo capacity in the region. The contract was formalised with the Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON), acting on behalf of Baku Shipyard. The new vessels are designed as shallow-draft ships specifically optimised for the Caspian Sea environment, poised to support not only trade growth but also to strengthen the trans-Caspian logistics corridor. Expected for delivery in Q4 2027, these vessels will dramatically boost trade volumes, offer reliable and sustainable transport solutions, and connect major trading hubs around the Caspian. According to Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi:“This step aligns with the vision and directives of our wise leadership in the United Arab Emirates, and reaffirms AD Ports Group’s commitment to supporting the growing trade needs of the Caspian region. Partnering with Baku Shipyard ensures that these new vessels will meet the highest international standards of quality and efficiency, enabling us to deliver greater capacity, improved service reliability, and contribute to the long-term growth of supply chains.” The vessel development follows AD Ports Group’s recent strategic moves in Central Asia, tailored to improve the efficient transportation of energy resources to global markets and to stimulate economic growth through regional integrated supply chains. Earlier in 2025, the Group achieved another milestone with the inauguration of the first phase of the Tbilisi Intermodal Hub—Georgia’s first modern bonded container and intermodal terminal. This state-of-the-art, rail-linked logistics centre provides a critical link between the Caspian and Black seas and represents a key artery in the region’s Middle Corridor, the shortest and most economic trade route connecting Asia and Europe. In July 2025, the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking substantial progress in deepening economic, trade, and investment relationships in the Caucasus. This aligns with the UAE’s vision to foster strategic partnerships in high-potential markets. The UAE stands among the largest foreign investors in Azerbaijan, with direct investments exceeding $1 billion—a testament to the robust economic connection and its contribution to Azerbaijan’s economic growth. Azerbaijan’s strategic location at the junction between Eastern Europe and Western Asia further enhances its attractiveness as a trade and investment partner. In 2024, Azerbaijan’s economy demonstrated notable growth of 4.1%, with a remarkable 6.3% expansion in its non-oil sector, indicating solid progress in economic diversification. This creates fertile ground for increased cooperation with the UAE. Moreover, bilateral non-oil trade between the two nations surged by 43%, hitting a value of USD 2.24 billion in 2024. These figures underscore the accelerating pace of economic engagement and the ongoing advancement of mutual trade and investment cooperation. Team V.4-EM-UAE