Sulphur Exports from Kazakhstan via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR)
Kazakhstan is one of the world’s largest producers of sulphur. The main production volumes originate from the Tengiz, Kashagan and Karachaganak oil and gas fields and are exported to international markets for the production of sulphuric acid, mineral fertilizers and various chemical products.
Due to changes in global logistics chains, an increasing number of exporters are utilizing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), which connects Kazakhstan with the Black Sea via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Simplextrans organizes sulphur transportation from Kazakhstan via Poti Port (Georgia) with further export to Turkey, Europe, the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, India and Africa.
Why Poti Port Has Become a Key Export Gateway for Kazakh Sulphur
Changes in Export Logistics
Since May 24, 2026, the export and transit of sulphur from Kazakhstan in open-top gondola railcars through the territory of the Russian Federation (towards Russian seaports and railway border crossings) has been temporarily suspended for an indefinite period.
As a result, significant sulphur export volumes have been redirected to alternative transportation corridors through the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Alternative Logistics via the TITR
The TITR provides:
- an alternative to restricted transit routes;
- the Kazakhstan – Kuryk – Alyat – Poti transport corridor;
- access to international shipping services through the Black Sea;
- reliable formation of export cargo lots.
Key Export Markets
Through Poti Port, Kazakh sulphur is exported to:
- Turkey;
- European Union countries;
- Egypt;
- Morocco;
- Tunisia;
- India;
- Middle Eastern countries.
Logistics Chain for Sulphur Transportation via the TITR
Main Transportation Route
Railway Stage (Kazakhstan)
Tengiz / Kashagan / Atyrau → Port of Kuryk
Caspian Sea Crossing
Rail Ferry Kuryk → Alyat (Azerbaijan)
Railway Transit
Alyat → Baku → Tbilisi → Poti Port (Georgia)
Sea Freight Stage
Poti → International Ports of Destination
Specific Features of Sulphur Transportation by Rail
Safety Requirements
Sulphur is classified as a bulk industrial commodity that is sensitive to moisture, temperature fluctuations and storage conditions. Failure to comply with proper transportation and storage requirements may lead to oxidation processes, smouldering and deterioration of product quality.
Use of Wagon Liners (Liner Bags)
When transporting sulphur in open-top gondola railcars, the use of wagon liners (liner bags) is strongly recommended regardless of the loading method.
Liner bags provide:
- protection against moisture and contamination;
- prevention of cargo spillage;
- reduction of product losses during transit;
- protection of wagon interiors;
- easier unloading operations;
- reduced transportation risks.
Sulphur Transportation in Big Bags and Railcar Types
Transportation in Open-Top Gondola Railcars (Recommended Option)
The most efficient transportation method is the use of open-top gondola railcars loaded with big bags and equipped with wagon liners.
Advantages include:
- fast unloading at Poti Port;
- minimized cargo handling costs;
- reduced terminal processing time;
- lower risk of packaging damage;
- simplified formation of vessel lots for export.
Transportation in Covered Railcars
Transportation in covered railcars is possible but generally less efficient.
Disadvantages include:
- unloading by forklifts operating inside the railcars;
- additional crane handling operations;
- longer cargo processing times;
- higher transshipment costs.
CRITICALLY IMPORTANT LIMITATIONS FOR SULPHUR TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS
TWO KEY FACTORS THAT DETERMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE ENTIRE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT
IMPORTANT: The entire process of arranging sulphur transportation via the TITR and Poti Port depends on two major constraints.
1. APPROVAL FROM POTI PORT TO ACCEPT THE CARGO (THE MOST CRITICAL FACTOR)
The most important stage is obtaining confirmation from Poti Port that the cargo can be accepted and handled.
The following information must be provided in advance:
- sulphur type;
- cargo volume;
- expected arrival dates;
- packaging type;
- quality of big bags and their resistance to moisture during outdoor storage;
- shipment schedule for export vessel lots.
Following the redirection of sulphur export flows from Kazakhstan, Poti Port is expected to experience significantly increased demand. Therefore, advance warehouse space reservation is essential поэтому резервирование складских мощностей является обязательным.
2. AVAILABILITY OF OPEN-TOP GONDOLA RAILCARS
The second major constraint is the availability of suitable gondola railcars for sulphur transportation.
Reasons for the shortage include:
- long-term contracts with shippers of other commodities;
- railcar owners’ reluctance to allocate wagons for sulphur transportation when alternative cargoes are available;
- mandatory use of wagon liners;
- extended railcar turnaround times due to cleaning requirements after unloading.
Sulphur Transshipment at Poti Port
Main Operations
- reception of railcars;
- sulphur unloading;
- warehouse storage;
- accumulation of export cargo lots;
- loading onto ocean-going vessels;
- preparation of export documentation.
Limited Terminal Infrastructure
The number of terminals capable of handling sulphur cargo is limited. Therefore:
- advance warehouse booking is mandatory;
- lack of planning may result in railcar demurrage and delays;
- competition for available terminal capacity is high.
Available Sulphur Transportation Options
- bulk sulphur transportation in open-top gondola railcars (with wagon liners);
- sulphur transportation in big bags loaded into open-top gondola railcars;
- transportation in covered railcars (less efficient).
Advantages of the Poti Port and TITR Route
- complete avoidance of transit through Russia;
- direct access to global shipping services;
- stable multimodal transportation chain;
- single logistics operator throughout the route;
- cargo monitoring at every transportation stage;
- scalability for large export volumes;
- reduction of logistics and transit risks.
Request a Freight Quotation for Sulphur Transportation via Poti Port, Georgia
Information Required for Quotation
Please provide:
- loading station;
- sulphur type;
- packaging details;
- shipment volume;
- transportation route;
- required shipping schedule.