UAE to expand operations in Kazakhstan following $30mln investment

AD Ports Group among global top 20 container port operators in new industry ranking

Noatum Maritime, the maritime and shipping arm of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, has further strengthened its collaboration with key partners in Kazakhstan by signing Heads of Terms with Kazakhstan National Shipping Company — KazMorTransFlot (KMTF), a subsidiary of KazMunayGas, the Kazakh National Oil Company, in a bid to expand operations in the Caspian Sea region.

The agreements come only two days after AD Ports Group announced that it signed a Foundation Agreement with Semurg, the owner and developer of the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at Kuryk Port, Kazakhstan. Under the terms of this agreement, AD Ports Group owns a 51% stake and Semurg owns a 49% stake in the partnership Sarzha Grain Terminal.

Sarzha Grain Terminal will see a total investment of just over $50 million over the two phases, with AD Ports Group contributing around $30 million.

Under the latest deal, AD Ports Group and Kazakhstan National Shipping Company aim to collaborate on the construction of two container vessels, specifically designed for operations in the Caspian Sea, each with a capacity exceeding 500 TEUs.

These relatively larger and more modern shallow draft vessels would offer enhanced turnaround times and provide increased capacity, while the advanced cargo handling systems would support improved scheduling and operational efficiency.

«We remain deeply committed towards our vision of facilitating international trade by enhancing and expanding our collaboration with our valued partners in Kazakhstan. Together we have achieved much success in the Caspian region, underscoring the strength of our partnership,» stated captain Ammar Al Shaiba, CEO of maritime and shipping cluster at AD Ports Group.

AD Ports Group and Kazakhstan National Shipping Company also confirmed their intention to develop the next generation trans — Caspian Sea intermodal system via high-capacity ferries, and the corresponding terminal infrastructure, which will dramatically shorten the transit time for Kazakh exporters and all stakeholders of the middle corridor.