Olzhas Bektenov Reviews Development of Aktau and Kuryk Seaports

Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov examined the transport and logistics potential of the Mangistau region during his working trip. His itinerary included visits to the Aktau and Kuryk seaports.

At Kuryk Seaport, the Prime Minister was informed that cargo transshipment volume has exceeded 1.5 million tons since the beginning of the year, with projections reaching 2.2 million tons by year-end. This year, dredging works are also set to be completed, alongside the launch of a new grain terminal. Efforts are underway to establish a logistics cluster and renew the ferry fleet, with an anticipated design capacity of 6 million tons of cargo annually. The year-round Kuryk Seaport can accommodate both automobile and railway ferries, featuring four specialized berths for this purpose.

During his visit, Olzhas Bektenov was also introduced to a Kazakh-German investment project aimed at producing “green hydrogen,” which has applications in energy, oil refining, and the chemical industry, among others. The project is expected to have a production capacity of 2 million tons and an investment of over 50 billion euros. Additionally, it plans to construct and operate a desalination plant and a 40 GW renewable energy source facility, creating approximately 1,800 jobs.

The Prime Minister also explored the capabilities of the Aktau Sea Trade Port, a critical component in the development of the Trans-Caspian international transportation route. The port meets modern international standards in both technical specifications and operational processes, allowing for the handling of a diverse range of cargo. Currently, its throughput capacity exceeds 11 million tons, with three oil loading berths, three dry cargo berths, and a grain terminal capable of processing 800,000 tons of agricultural products annually. Over the past eight months, cargo transshipment through the port has surpassed 3 million tons, with key destinations including Iran, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

Additionally, plans were discussed for constructing a container hub at the Aktau Port, with the Lianyungang Port Group Co., Ltd., one of China's largest port companies, brought in as an investor. This project is expected to enhance medium- and long-term transportation planning and create favorable conditions for cargo delivery.

The Prime Minister underscored the strategic significance of the Mangistau region, located at the crossroads of international transportation corridors.

“The Head of State has set a strategic task for the Government: to transform our ports into leading hubs of the Caspian Sea. Kazakhstan's geographical location is an advantage that must be fully leveraged. The Mangistau region possesses substantial transit, logistics, infrastructure, and service potential that needs to be developed. Thus, implementing new projects to expand our domestic maritime transport and logistics cluster is especially crucial,” emphasized Olzhas Bektenov.