Kazakhstan plans to expand ferry fleet

Kazakhstan, Astana, March 20 / Trend D. Mukhtarov /

Kazakhstan plans to expand its ferry fleet, Kazakh Minister of Transport and Communications Askar Zhumagaliyev said at the plenary session of parliament (a lower chamber) today.

"At present, water transport must accelerate the capacity of the ferry fleet and increase the volume of transported goods as domestic shipping companies transport only oil and the whole volume of dry and ferry cargo is transported by foreign companies," Askar Zhumagaliyev said while answering the journalists' questions.

He went on: "It is planned to expand Aktau port. The dry cargo share will be increased by at least 2.5 million tons per year. A feasibility study is being prepared. We need the expanded seaport which would ensure all the needs for cargo transportation. It is necessary to buy ships such as ferries and bulk tankers which would be engaged in transportation. According to the president's order, two ferries which will run between Aktau, Baku and Makhachkala, will be purchased to transport dry cargo."

According to the Minister, the bill on 'Amendments and additions to some Kazakh legislative acts on transport' envisages updating the existing legal framework to ensure the safety of navigation, as well as to create conditions for developing human resources.

"Maritime transport has a great shortage of personnel," the minister said. "Only 28 per cent falls to local experts. The Maritime Academy was opened in Almaty in 2012. Around 61 students are studying there. The staff will gradually increase and we will pay attention to this."

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