ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 23. In a significant step towards enhancing Kazakhstan’s maritime and logistics capabilities, KazMunayGas (KMG) and AD Ports Group have reinforced their cooperation through discussions on expanding fleet operations and boosting the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), Trend reports.
During a recent meeting in Astana, Askat Khasenov, Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas, and Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group's maritime cluster, explored new avenues for collaboration, focusing on maritime transport and offshore oil projects in the Caspian Sea. The talks centered on the expansion of Kazakhstan’s tanker fleet and the construction of new vessels aimed at advancing offshore oil transportation and services.
Khasenov highlighted the importance of strengthening the container fleet, with particular attention to boosting Kazakhstan’s oil exports through an expanded tanker pool. Currently, the tanker pool, managed by Kazmortransflot LLP, a subsidiary of KMG, and AD Ports Group, operates with four vessels, having transported 8.8 million tons of oil since its inception. Plans are already in motion to add two more tankers by the end of 2024, further cementing the partnership’s role in the country’s oil supply chain.
Recognizing the vital role of TITR, the so-called Middle Corridor, both parties also discussed joint projects for developing container vessels and ferries, leveraging AD Ports Group's experience in over 10 countries. This expanded cooperation is expected to enhance Kazakhstan’s transit and logistical infrastructure, unlocking the full potential of TITR.
As the global demand for efficient transport and energy solutions grows, Kazakhstan continues to prioritize the development of strategic routes such as the Middle Corridor, with maritime transport serving as a key pillar in the country's broader economic agenda.
"As we deepen our partnership with AD Ports Group, we look forward to a new era of maritime cooperation that will strengthen our transport and logistics sector," said Khasenov, who expressed his gratitude to AD Ports Group for their constructive collaboration.