In 2026, Russia and Iran will open a new shipping route connecting Ulyanovsk and Astara. This was announced at a meeting between the head of the "My Business" center of the Ulyanovsk region, Ruslan Gainetdinov, and the leadership of the Iranian provinces of Qazvin and Gilan.
The purpose of the Ulyanovsk delegation's visit to Qazvin was to negotiate the development of the "Middle Volga - Caspian Sea - Persian Gulf" project and to find new trade partners.
In the province of Gilan, where key Caspian ports are located, the Ulyanovsk delegation agreed on the organization of pilot sea and river deliveries along the Ulyanovsk - Astara route.
It is planned to transport agricultural and industrial goods along the transport corridor. First of all, we are talking about grain and vegetable oil from the Russian side, petrochemicals, plastic, tea and citrus fruits from the Iranian side.
The shipping line will help ensure regional integration in the Caspian Sea. The route has a strategic role, as both Russia and Iran are looking for alternative routes to traditional logistics channels.
