By 2026, the Caspian Sea has ceased to be a "dead-end" waterway and has transformed into one of the most dynamic logistics arteries in Eurasia. Thanks to the development of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), cargo turnover between Iran, Russia, and Central Asian countries is growing at double-digit rates.
However, working with the Iranian direction has its own specifics: from vessel draft limitations to bureaucratic delays in returning shipping line equipment. My Way, in partnership with My Containers, does not just consult on these routes—we are physically present in the market. We have our own pool of containers in Iranian ports, ready for shipment to Russia, as well as equipment on regular Iran–China lines available for lease. Let's break down the infrastructure of Iran's Caspian ports and our specific offers for your business.
Top 3 Iranian Ports on the Caspian Sea: Characteristics and Capabilities
Not all Iranian ports are equally equipped to handle sea containers. When planning logistics, it is critical to choose the right entry or exit point.
1. Amirabad Port (Bandar-e Amirabad) – The Main Container Hub
Status: The largest and most modern port in Iran on the Caspian Sea, located in the Mazandaran province.
Characteristics: The berth depth allows it to receive vessels with a draft of up to 8.5–9 meters. It features a specialized container terminal with modern crane equipment (STS and RTG).
Logistics: Direct railway connections to Tehran and Iran's internal network, which is critical for the rapid evacuation of cargo.
Best for: The ideal choice for regular container shipments (FCL), handling 40-foot High Cubes, and heavy batches.
2. Noshahr Port (Bandar-e Noshahr) – A Versatile Alternative
Status: The second most significant port, located west of Amirabad.
Characteristics: Maximum draft of about 7.5 meters. It handles smaller tonnage vessels, specializes in breakbulk cargo and timber, but has equipped areas for container handling.
Logistics: Excellent road and rail links to the northern industrial regions of Iran.
Best for: Suitable for batches of 20-foot containers, project cargo, and cases where the logistics route to a specific plant in northern Iran is shorter than from Amirabad.
3. Anzali Port (Bandar-e Anzali) – Historic Gateway (with caveats)
Status: The oldest port, but its significance in container transportation is declining.
Characteristics: Shallow depth (up to 5–6 meters), which restricts the entry of full-sized container vessels. It primarily handles Ro-Ro vessels, barges, and small-tonnage fleets.
Best for: Only for specific, small batches or as an auxiliary point. For serious container traffic, we recommend Amirabad.
Our Solutions: Containers in Iran and Regular Lines
The main pain point of Caspian logistics is the shortage of empty containers in Iran and the complexities of returning them. Shipping lines are reluctant to enter Caspian ports without guaranteed return cargo, and if you brought your cargo in their container (COC), you will have to pay huge detention fees for its downtime or organize expensive backhaul for the empty unit.
We solve this problem by offering infrastructural solutions:
Ready-made containers in Iran for shipment to Russia: At the terminals of Amirabad and Noshahr, we always have a reserve of 20’ DC and 40’ HC containers in WWT/IICL condition. We can provide them to you for loading with Iranian export goods (food products, building materials, chemicals) for subsequent shipment to the ports of Astrakhan or Makhachkala. You get the equipment here and now, without waiting for a "window" from a line operator.
Container leasing on the regular Iran–China line: A growing flow of cargo is moving from Iran to China (and back) via the Caspian Sea, Russia, and Kazakhstan. We provide containers (including reefers for Iranian fruits and nuts) for long-term lease or on a One-Way Lease basis along this leg. You load the container in Amirabad, transport it via the INSTC to China, drop it off there, and your obligations end. We handle all further repositioning.
Advantages of Working with Us in the Iranian Direction
Bypassing Equipment Shortages: We do not depend on the whims of major shipping line schedules. Our fleet in Iran guarantees that your shipment will start on the agreed timeline.
D&D Savings: By using our containers (SOC), you do not pay shipping lines demurrage and detention penalties if Iranian customs or railways delay the cargo for a few days.
Financial Transparency: We operate within existing legal frameworks, assisting with the correct documentation for seamless transit through the territories of Russia and Kazakhstan.
Full-Cycle Service: From selecting equipment in Amirabad to unloading it with a manipulator at your warehouse in Russia or China.
*The information on this page does not constitute a binding public offer.
*MyContainers is a partner of MyWay.