Kazakhstan plans to boost its maritime capabilities by constructing seven new vessels on the Caspian Sea, comprising three tankers, two ferries, and two container ships.
The new vessels are part of a strategic initiative to bolster Kazakhstan’s transportation and logistics infrastructure, aiming to solidify its presence on the Caspian Sea. Currently, Kazakhstan's merchant fleet comprises 17 vessels, including 10 tankers, four dry bulk carriers, and three container ships.
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In December 2023, KazMunayGas and Abu Dhabi Ports Group agreed to establish a ship repair and shipbuilding yard in Kazakhstan. This development will support the repair and construction of new vessels, enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s fleet internationally.
Kazakhstan is also strengthening its maritime ties with Azerbaijan. Recent acquisitions of tankers will facilitate oil transportation from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan for shipment via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, diversifying export routes and ensuring supply stability.
Furthermore, Turkey has emerged as a key partner in Kazakhstan's shipbuilding efforts. Collaborations with Turkish companies will not only support the construction of new vessels but also reduce Kazakhstan’s reliance on Russia for shipbuilding services, thereby reinforcing its position in the Caspian Sea.
Kassym Tlepov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Railway and Water Transport, provided an update on the country's water transport sector. He highlighted ongoing dredging operations in the Kuryk port, with plans for similar work in Aktau in 2025. The development of a container hub at Aktau, in partnership with China’s Lianyungang Port, is already underway.
In the Kuryk port, the construction of the multifunctional terminal "Sarzha" is progressing, with an expected capacity of 9.4mn tons and over $200mn in investments. The project has attracted interest from international investors, including Abu Dhabi Ports, Rhenus, CMA CGM, Wandernet, and several Chinese firms.
Railway infrastructure adjacent to seaports is also being upgraded. Plans include building 404 kilometers of additional tracks and modernizing five stations as part of the Plan for the Modernization of the Main Railway Network until 2030.
To advance digitalization, Kazakhstan has introduced the "Digital Trade Corridor" platform with Singapore’s PSA and implemented the "Tez Customs" system to expedite transit declaration processing. A strategic partnership with Abu Dhabi Port aims to automate checkpoint operations and create a "single window" system for ship document registration.
The national sea carrier, Kazmortransflot, is collaborating with design partners on the technical aspects of the new vessel construction. Kazakhstan's maritime workforce includes about 1,500 sailors, with a current need for an additional 200 personnel.
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