11-13 August, 2026, the International Sea Ports of Turkmenbashy and Alat hosted a joint practical training on information exchange in maritime transport. The event brought together members of the Port Control Units of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. It was organized by the UNODC Regional Office for Central Asia under the framework of the joint UNODC-World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Container Control Programme.

The primary objectives of the initiative were to boost international cargo turnover across the Caspian Sea, curb illicit trade, and mitigate associated risks. Additionally, the training aimed to enhance the professional qualifications of specialists, improve operational data-sharing skills, and strengthen direct cooperation between the port facilities of Turkmenbashy and Alat.

Led by WCO experts, the training course commenced on August 11 in Turkmenistan, continued directly on board a vessel during its crossing of the Caspian Sea, and concluded on August 13 at the Port of Alat in Azerbaijan. During the practical sessions, participants exchanged best practices through hands-on exercises focused on analyzing shipping documents and conducting joint customs inspections of cargo and transport units.