Russia and Iran are preparing to launch a new shipping route linking Ulyanovsk and Astara in 2026, in a move aimed at expanding bilateral trade and strengthening logistical connectivity between the two countries, according to TV BRICS.
The planned route will connect Russia’s Ulyanovsk region with the Iranian port city of Astara, creating a new transport corridor for agricultural and industrial goods. Officials from both sides say the project is part of broader efforts to diversify trade routes and reduce reliance on traditional land-based transport.
Under the plan, the first shipment is expected to be launched in 2026, with an initial focus on moving Russian agricultural exports such as grain and vegetable oils, alongside Iranian industrial and consumer products including petrochemicals, plastics, tea, and citrus fruits.
The new shipping line is also seen as a step toward enhancing regional integration and improving access to Caspian Sea trade networks. By opening an additional maritime corridor, Moscow and Tehran aim to facilitate faster, more cost-effective movement of goods and deepen economic cooperation.
Officials noted that the route could play a strategic role in supporting long-term trade growth, particularly as both countries seek alternative logistics channels amid shifting global trade dynamics.
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