Maritime transport plays a unique and essential role in the global economic system. In this sense, international economic relations are unimaginable without the involvement of maritime transport. Azerbaijan boasts a rich history of shipping and maritime trade, a fact confirmed by historical sources and ancient authors. Some sources date the history of Caspian maritime transport back to the 4th–6th millennia BC.
According to sea-news.az that Azerbaijan undoubtedly possesses a glorious history in the maritime sector. The Great Leader Heydar Aliyev made invaluable contributions to the development of this history. The “Contract of the Century” oil agreement, the restoration of the Great Silk Road, and our membership in the International Maritime Organization (IMO), all of which had a direct and decisive impact on the development of shipping in our country, are inextricably linked to the name of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
It is a reality that Azerbaijan’s maritime sector is currently in a new stage of development. Key examples of this include the acquisition of more than 20 new vessels for the Caspian Sea Fleet, the construction of the Baku Shipyard—which builds state-of-the-art vessels—and the establishment of the Baku International Sea Trade Port, the largest port in the Caspian Sea.
In order to ensure the competitive development of the maritime transport sector, the creation of the State Maritime and Port Agency by the Decree of President Ilham Aliyev in October 2021 is of great importance. Simultaneously, the establishment of the “State Maritime and Port Agency” as a public legal entity under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the President’s Decree dated October 11, 2021, on “Certain measures regarding the improvement of management in the field of maritime transport,” is considered a historic step.
Precisely through the attention and care of the country’s President, a series of measures have been implemented to improve management, regulation, and control mechanisms in the maritime sector, optimize work aimed at state regulation, and form a competitive maritime transport industry. The process of issuing certificates (diplomas) to those who have completed training for specialized maritime ratings (watch sailors, watch engine ratings, ship electricians, ship cooks, ship crane operators) is being simplified.
Steps taken toward ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient transport operations along the TRACECA transport corridor and the digitalization of this corridor also deserve special attention. This is because it envisages the development of container shipping along the TRACECA corridor and increasing the competitiveness of TRACECA and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
Strengthening Azerbaijan’s position as a logistics and transport hub and increasing the importance of the Middle Corridor in the context of the current regional geopolitical situation remain on the agenda. It is also envisaged that the International Maritime Organization will support the agency in developing Azerbaijan’s national maritime transport strategy and the national action plan within the framework of the “Green Voyage 2050” project, as well as in the training of state port and flag state control inspectors, Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) operators, and pilots.
Opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the Paris Memorandum of Understanding regarding ships flying the Azerbaijani flag, the regulation of ports, the training of seafarers, and the implementation of a “Single Window” system in maritime transport will become possible. Furthermore, an agreement has been reached to strengthen cooperation between the State Maritime and Port Agency and the Turkish Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, including the conduct of training sessions for port and flag state control inspectors and VTS operators.
All of this demonstrates that the purposeful work carried out for the development of maritime transport in accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev is yielding results. We, as youth and everyone working in this field, constantly feel the attention and care of the President. This gives us even greater stimulation. Our youth are confident that under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, greater successes will be achieved in the shipping sector, just as in all other areas.
Ilham Nasirov
Chairman of the Public Association for Support to Azerbaijani Seafarers
