A 2-meter decline in Caspian Sea water levels, driven by climate change and reduced river inflow, has created significant challenges for port access channels and vessel berthing operations.
Ahad Vazifeh, head of the National Climate and Drought Management Center, attributes the decline to reduced inflow from the Volga River and increased evaporation due to global warming. This 2-meter drop directly impacts vessel drafts, rendering many shallow coastal areas ineffective for docking high-tonnage ships.
Economically, this crisis has forced a sharp increase in port dredging costs and necessitated a revision of maritime safety maps. Experts warn that given current climate trends and water management practices, a return to historical water levels is unlikely, requiring northern ports to adapt their infrastructure to these new conditions.