ASTANA: In a move to bolster Kazakhstan’s maritime and logistics capabilities, KazMunayGas (KMG) and AD Ports Group have intensified their collaboration by discussing fleet expansion and improvements to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), known as the Middle Corridor.

According to Trend News Agency, Askat Khasenov, Chairman of the Board of KazMunayGas, and Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of AD Ports Group’s maritime cluster, met in Astana to explore new collaborative efforts focused on maritime transport and offshore oil projects within the Caspian Sea. Their discussions included plans to grow Kazakhstan’s tanker fleet and construct new vessels, aimed at enhancing offshore oil transportation and related services.

Khasenov emphasized the significance of reinforcing the container fleet, particularly to increase Kazakhstan’s oil exports through an expanded tanker pool. The current tanker pool, operated by Kazmortransflot LLP-a subsidiary of KMG-and AD Ports Group, consists of four vessels and has tra
nsported 8.8 million tons of oil since its establishment. Plans are underway to add two more tankers by the end of 2024, which will strengthen the partnership’s involvement in the nation’s oil supply chain.

The discussions also addressed the importance of TITR, with joint projects for developing container vessels and ferries being considered. These initiatives aim to leverage AD Ports Group’s extensive experience across more than 10 countries, further enhancing Kazakhstan’s transit and logistics infrastructure to fully capitalize on TITR’s potential.

With global demand for efficient transport and energy solutions on the rise, Kazakhstan is prioritizing strategic route developments, such as the Middle Corridor, with maritime transport playing a crucial role in the country’s economic strategy. Khasenov expressed optimism about the deepening partnership with AD Ports Group, anticipating a new phase of maritime cooperation that will fortify the transport and logistics sector.