Proposed Caspian-Black Sea Tunnel by Azerbaijan to Address Water Crisis
Azerbaijan Proposes Innovative Underground Water Tunnel to Connect Caspian and Black Seas
ASTANA – Azerbaijan has unveiled an ambitious project aimed at connecting the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea through an underground water tunnel. This groundbreaking initiative not only promises to provide Kazakhstan with much-needed direct access to global maritime routes but also addresses the pressing issue of declining water levels that have been impacting ports along the Caspian Sea, as reported on May 4 by Inbusiness.
The project, spearheaded by the Azerbaijan State Oil and Gas Company (ADOG) in partnership with Zira Port, seeks to enhance Turkic cooperation and tackle the environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea. The concept envisions a 10-meter-wide channel accompanied by an international environmental monitoring system to ensure sustainability.
Although no formal proposal has been submitted to Kazakhstan yet, the nation is expected to play a pivotal role in the project’s development. The shallow waters of the Caspian Sea have been causing operational disruptions at Aktau Port, a critical shipping hub for Kazakhstan. Officials at the port have indicated that declining water levels have led to a significant reduction in cargo capacity—up to 1,000 tons per vessel. If this trend continues, there is a risk that shipping operations could cease altogether.
In response, Kazakhstan has initiated measures to deepen the seabed at Aktau Port, which is partially funded by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railway company. Furthermore, the sand removed through dredging will be utilized to expand coastal land by 171 hectares, laying the groundwork for the establishment of the nation’s first cruise terminal, complete with border control facilities on the Caspian Sea.
Since 2006, the water level of the Caspian Sea has plummeted by two meters, raising alarms about the implications for regional trade and infrastructure. As such, this innovative project could provide a vital lifeline for Kazakhstan while promoting environmental cooperation in the region.
The proposed tunnel not only represents a strategic economic opportunity but also a significant step towards preserving the ecological balance of one of the world’s most unique inland bodies of water.
