Amid the rapid economic growth in the Caspian Sea region, Azerbaijan has seen impressive expansion in the past nine years, with a nine fold increase in its GDP. In order to keep up with this development and secure its place as an international player, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan is investing heavily in infrastructure and economic regeneration with a number of redevelopment programmes.
At the centre of this development is Baku city and its bay, which are being transformed into a modern waterfront development. As a result the current port of Baku, situated in the middle of the bay, and other industrial marine infrastructure, is to be moved away from the city centre.
In early 2009 The Ministry of Transport of Azerbaijan awarded Royal HaskoningDHV a contract to provide complete design and engineering services, including initial site investigations, port master plan, plus tender and construction support. Once the new port is complete, it will provide a modern international gateway to the Caspian Sea. Construction commenced in 2010 and is expected to be completed around 2014.