A key step forward for the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) was recently achieved. The first regular service between Russia and the Aprin dry port, located near the Iranian capital Teheran, is now reality, with transit time under two weeks.
The convoy started its journey 900 kilometres north of Moscow and continued through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. It crossed into Iran from the Incheh Borun border crossing and reached the facility in Aprin after 12 days. Up until now, the only freight trains reaching the terminal came from China.
The Aprin dry port
The Aprin dry port was opened in March 2023, but only saw its first freight train in May 2025. Since then, about 30 trains coming from China have reached it, as Iranian media stated. The new service from Russia is thus an important development, especially in the context of the INSTC.
European Silk Road Summit
The INSTC remains one of the key emerging corridors for trade between Europe (mostly Russia) and central and southern Asia. With the current geopolitical tensions, many countries are adjusting their trade routes. For example, Russia is looking for new partners after the sanctions imposed by the EU in the context of the war in Ukraine.
The development of these new corridors, including the IMEC, the Middle Corridor and the new Arctic route, will be one of the highlights of the European Silk Road Summit. The event will be held in Milan on 19 and 20 November. Find out more about the programme here and get your ticket here.