Azerbaijan has proposed a bold project to connect the Caspian and Black Seas via an underground water tunnel, a measure that could help counter the declining water levels threatening Caspian Sea ports, Inbusiness reported on May 4th. The project, initiated by ADOG and Zira Port, aims to strengthen Turkic cooperation and combat the deteriorating environmental condition of the Caspian.

The concept envisions a channel with a width of 10 meters and international environmental monitoring. Although an official proposal has not yet been sent to Kazakhstan, the country is considered a key stakeholder, as the shallowing of the Caspian Sea is already disrupting operations at the port of Aktau, according to Kazinform.

Port officials state that the drop in water levels has led to a reduction in cargo capacity to 1,000 tonnes per vessel, and if this trend continues, navigation could cease entirely. Kazakhstan plans to dredge the seabed of Aktau this year, with partial funding from NC “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy”.

Furthermore, the sand from the dredging operations will be used to expand Kazakhstan's coastal territory by 171 hectares. Plans are also underway to open the country's first cruise terminal with border control on the Caspian Sea.

Since 2006, the water level in the Caspian has fallen by two meters, posing significant risks to regional trade and infrastructure.