The process of privatization of Makhachkala commercial seaport has been finalized, with Suleiman Kerimov identified as the primary investor. This information was disclosed by the Head of the regional Ministry of Transport Dzhambulat Salavov.
The development of the port will encompass the organization of cruise ships to the countries of the Caspian basin.

In October 2022, Sergei Melikov the governor of the republic of Dagestan articulated plans to privatize the port. The identity of the investor was not confirmed. In March 2024, the Russian president signed a decree establishing JSC "North-South" and 100% of shares of "Makhachkala Commercial Sea Port" JSC were transferred to the authorized capital of the company. The state's share in the authorized capital of the new company was 49%, while the strategic investor's share made 51%.

The port infrastructure comprises a wide range of facilities, including dry bulk terminals, general cargo berths, bulk and container terminals, railway connections, ferry services for cars and equipment for handling grain.

Recently, in June 2024, Dagestani Prime Minister Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov provided an update on the design and cost estimation for a motorway project planned to be built adjacent to the port. This motorway, spanning approximately 5.5 kilometers in length, is designed to establish a direct link between the port and the federal highway.