Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan Move to Resume Caspian Ferry Service
Images | facebook/Alim Bayel
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have begun work to restore passenger ferry services across the Caspian Sea on the Kuryk-Baku-Kuryk route. The service was suspended in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Alim Bayel, said.
Kazakhstan proposed relaunching the ferry route, an initiative backed by Azerbaijan. The two countries’ transport authorities are now working to resume passenger services as soon as possible.
"We recently proposed that Azerbaijan resume passenger services on the Port of Kuryk-Port of Baku-Port of Kuryk ferry route. The service operated until 2020 but was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the suspension, around 1,500 passengers a year travelled across the Caspian Sea by ferry. I believe even more people will be interested in travelling along this route in the coming period," the diplomat wrote.
Bayel said restoring the ferry service would provide fresh momentum for passenger travel between the two countries, boost tourism and expand opportunities along the Middle Corridor.
"We are pleased that the Azerbaijani side has supported Kazakhstan’s proposal. The transport authorities of the two countries have now begun work to restore passenger services as soon as possible," Bayel said.
There are currently 37 flights a week between Baku and the Kazakh cities of Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktau and Atyrau.
This information may not be reproduced without reference to Kazakhstan Today. Copyright of materials of News Agency Kazakhstan Today.