Kazakhstan plans to expand its maritime capabilities by building seven new vessels on the Caspian Sea, including three tankers, two ferries and two container ships.
The new vessels are part of a strategic initiative to strengthen Kazakhstan’s transportation and logistics infrastructure and to consolidate its presence on the Caspian Sea. Currently, Kazakhstan’s merchant fleet consists of 17 vessels, including 10 tankers, four dry bulk carriers and three container ships.
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, increasing the international competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s fleet.
Kazakhstan is also strengthening its maritime ties with Azerbaijan. Recent tanker acquisitions will facilitate oil transportation from Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan for delivery via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, diversifying export routes and ensuring supply stability.
In addition, Turkey has become an important partner in Kazakhstan’s shipbuilding efforts. Cooperation with Turkish companies will not only support the construction of new vessels, but also reduce Kazakhstan’s dependence on Russia for shipbuilding services, thereby strengthening its position in the Caspian Sea.
Kassym Tlepov, Deputy Chairman of the Railway and Water Transport Committee, provided an update on the country’s water transport sector. He highlighted the ongoing dredging work at the port of Kuryk, with similar work planned for Aktau in 2025. The development of a container hub in 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 9.4 million tons and an investment of over $200 million. The project has attracted the interest of international investors, including Abu Dhabi Ports, Rhenus, CMA CGM, Wandernet and several Chinese companies.
