Kazakhstan, Astana, May 27 / Trend D.Mukhtarov /
Kazakhstan Maritime Academy (KMA) has opened at the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) in Almaty, which is a subsidiary organisation of JSC NC KazMunaiGas, the company reported.
According to the report, the development of the oil and gas industry in the country today determines the need for an efficient system of maritime transport.
'High growth rates of freight traffic on the Caspian Sea are observed every year making maritime transport one of the most promising sectors of the economy. At the same time, the problem of the lack of qualified seamen in the country is being exacerbated and KMA is aimed at solving this problem', the report says.
According to the report, the Kazakhstan Maritime Academy programme is scheduled for four years and instruction in the English language. Upon completion of training the cadets will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the academy and a professional diploma for work on ships of all capacities.
As the Ambassador for the Netherlands in Astana, Peter van Leeuwen told Trend, Maritime University Rotterdam won the tender announced by one of the oil and gas companies of Kazakhstan together with the Kazakh-British Technical University.
Maritime University Rotterdam has a centuries-old history. The entire course is designed by its specialists. Teachers from Holland live in Almaty. "This is a great opportunity for young Kazakhs to receive education in their own country without having to travel far from home, "the diplomat said.
According to him, the course is designed not only for the development of the Kashagan field, but also for conducting maritime traffic.
Kazakhstan expects to enter the so-called 'white list' of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The project on the establishment of the Academy is funded by Tengizshevroil to the sum of $25 million.
JSC National Company KazMunaiGas is Kazakhstan's national operator for exploration, production, refining and transportation of hydrocarbons. All the shares belong to the OJSC Sovereign Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna.