Azerbaijan, Baku, April 21 / Trend E.Ismayilov /
The Baku International Sea Trade Port handled about 1.7 million tons of cargo in January-March, or 20 percent more as compared to the same period in 2010, according to a source from the Port.
"The first quarter saw an increase in total handling, which was achieved due to the increase of oil and cargo ferry transfers," the source said.
The Port transferred 990,000 tons of ferry cargo compared to 50,000 tons in January-March of 2010, the source said.
The port handled 2.93 million tons of ferry cargo in 2010, which is 28 percent more than in 2009.
The main dry cargo terminals handled 199,000 tons of cargo in January-March, which is 5 percent lower as compared to the same period in 2010.
The first quarter also saw a decline in container handling. The Baku port handled 1,300 container units, which is 10 percent lower as compared to the same period in 2010.
The source said the decline in the transfer of container cargo, mainly humanitarian goods coming from Europe to Afghanistan, is linked with delays in Georgian ports, particularly in Poti.
The figure is expected to increase soon, the source said.
Some 9,600 containers were transferred in 2010 which is three times more than in 2009.
In total the port transferred 5.76 million tons of various cargo in 2010, which is 12 percent more than was transferred in 2009, the source said.
A significant increase in overall handling and handling of certain types of goods is linked with the commissioning of the renovated 12-berth port and increase in cargo traffic in the direction of Europe and Asia, as well as an increase in the transshipment of oil cargo from Turkmenistan.