Russia and Iran plan to launch Ulyanovsk–Astara shipping route in 2026

Plans are underway to launch the first shipping route between Russia’s Ulyanovsk region and Iran’s northern port of Astara early next year, aimed at expanding bilateral trade ties. This is reported by Mehr News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS. 

The initiative was discussed during a joint economic meeting between the advisor to the governor of the Ulyanovsk region, Ruslan Gainetdinov, and the deputy governor of Iran’s Gilan province for economic affairs. Gainetdinov noted the considerable potential for expanding trade ties, stressing that cooperation in the industrial and agricultural sectors remains a priority for the Russian side.

According to the experts, Ulyanovsk region is prepared to export a wide range of goods to regional markets. Agricultural products such as grain and vegetable oils were identified as among the most promising items for bilateral trade.

The governor pointed to Iran’s capacity in petrochemicals, plastics and other industrial sectors, adding that Iranian products including tea and citrus fruits could find demand in Russian markets.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to launch the first vessel linking northern Iranian ports, particularly Astara, with the Ulyanovsk region within the first three months of the upcoming Iranian calendar year.

Photo: Suphanat Khumsap / iStock