How to promote sustainable ports in the Caspian Sea

Challenge

The project aims to support some of the most strategic ports in the Caspian Sea region, including Baku (Azerbaijan), Aktau and Kuryk (Kazakhstan), Batumi (Georgia) and Turkmenbashi (Turkmenistan), in their transition towards a more sustainable, resilient and digitally enabled port model. 

To achieve this, the project focuses on: 

• Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate change on port infrastructure. 
• Defining practical strategies to decarbonise port operations. 
• Accelerating the adoption of advanced digital technologies, including Digital Twins and Environmental Monitoring Systems (EMS). 
• Integrating innovative solutions while ensuring full alignment with operational needs and local priorities. 

 

Applied expertise 

Through this project, RINA combines multidisciplinary technical, strategic and digital expertise to support the sustainable transformation of the region's ports: 

• Project management: coordination and overall management of the project. 
• Climate Change Risk Assessment (CCRA): analysis of historical climate data and development of short-, medium- and long-term climate scenarios to identify risks and vulnerabilities, and define mitigation and adaptation measures in line with the Equator Principles IV. 
• Climate Action Plans and Energy Transition Plans: development of tailored strategies for each port to identify gaps and opportunities related to decarbonisation, energy transition and climate resilience. 
• Inclusion and capacity building: analysis of the port workforce, organisation of workshops on gender equality best practices, and implementation of training and professional development initiatives, including a Career Advancement Program for Women in Port Management, aimed at increasing female participation in management and leadership positions within the port sector. 

Impact 

The project helps Caspian Sea ports address some of the most pressing challenges shaping their future, including adapting to climate change, accelerating the energy transition and harnessing the opportunities offered by digitalisation. 

The initiative also contributes to the sustainable development of the Middle Corridor, one of the key transport routes connecting Europe and Asia. By promoting the use of renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency and integrating advanced digital technologies, the project supports the development of more efficient, connected and resilient port infrastructures capable of meeting evolving market demands and growing sustainability expectations within the maritime and logistics sectors. 

A further distinguishing feature of the project is its integrated approach to environmental sustainability and social inclusion. Through targeted initiatives focused on gender equality and skills development, the project encourages greater participation of women in the port industry, helping organisations become more inclusive, innovative and better prepared to address the challenges of a sustainable transition. 

In doing so, the initiative provides a replicable model for the ports of the future, where economic growth, climate resilience and social progress advance hand in hand.