BISTP is located in Alat (a township 70 km south of Baku) at the crossroads of two major transportation corridors—East-West and North-South. It is also where Azerbaijan’s main railway and highway networks converge, facilitating the port’s vision of becoming a key regional and global supply chain hub. BISTP serves as a major intermodal hub but will also adopt an integrated development model that includes port activities, a bonded zone, Alat township, and various transport and non-transport projects.
Port construction projects are typically accompanied by a wide range of potential environmental impacts, arising from dredging, construction, and landfilling activities, as well as discharges from ships and onshore facilities, cargo operations, and other port-related activities.
A key and indispensable role in minimizing these adverse impacts is played by the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) of planned port construction projects. To meet the requirements set by international financial institutions and fulfil national environmental commitments, many countries have adopted various national ESIA regulations and procedures. These norms and procedures are designed to identify and assess the magnitude of all potential environmental impacts that may result from a development project. Adhering to these regulations helps minimize adverse impacts and allows for timely adjustments to different project components.
