China-Europe freight trains embark on new journey from Shandong

Two China-Europe freight trains operated by Shandong Hi-Speed Group recently departed from Jinan and Qingdao in East China's Shandong province. Loaded with truck parts, tires, air conditioners, and other goods, they were destined for Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, via the Caspian Sea.

This marked the commencement of a new chapter in Shandong's involvement in the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Corridor, which extends from China through Central Asia along the Caspian Sea to Europe and is an increasingly important channel for transportation and cross-border trade.

The trains will exit via Khorgos Port, pass through Kazakhstan, switch to maritime transport in the port city of Aktau, and then cross the Caspian Sea to reach the Port of Alyat in Azerbaijan, and finally arrive in Baku via rail. Some goods will be further distributed to countries such as Turkey, Georgia, Romania, and Italy.

The journey is expected to take around 18 days, reducing transit time by approximately one-third compared to traditional sea freight methods.

During the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in October 2023, China proposed the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Corridor. In alignment with national strategic initiatives, Shandong Hi-Speed Group is striving to optimize its train network layout.

In light of disruptions and rising shipping costs on European routes, the company reactivated the Trans-Caspian transport route to provide essential services for the province's foreign trade enterprises and contribute to the security and stability of international industrial and supply chains.