Long-term outlook for loading Trump Route uncertain — Russian deputy PM

MOSCOW, April 2. /TASS/. The long-term prospects for loading of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity are uncertain as the project relies on the cargo flow from Central Asia via the shallowing Caspian Sea, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk said in an interview with TASS. "The stake is placed on the bulk of the Trump Route being provided by cargo arriving from Central Asia by sea. However, the long-term prospects of the Middle Corridor are quite uncertain. The Caspian Sea is becoming shallow as the climate is changing," he said. The development and maintenance of port infrastructure to support the required level of cargo traffic "carry serious investment risks," Overchuk noted. "If the shallowing of the Caspian Sea continues at the same rate as it has had for the past thirty years investors will have to rely on Russian Railways. Or they should be prepared for constant dredging operations," he said.