Central Asia

Copenhagen, Denmark – A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) is gearing up to introduce the initial vessel of its 18-strong fleet of large methanol-enabled ships, with the maiden voyage set to commence on February 9, 2024, along the AE7 route connecting Asia and Europe. The vessel, constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea, boasts a nominal capacity of 16,000 containers (TEU) and features a dual-fuel engine, allowing operations on methanol, biodiesel, and conventional bunker fuel. Maersk’s commitment to achieving Net-Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 is exemplified by this groundbreaking move, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable shipping.

Today, Kazakhstan’s railway system is pivotal to meeting the country’s economic export demands, with shipments reaching 70.7 million tons this year, marking an 8.5% increase. A comprehensive program by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) aims to ensure smooth transportation through repairs, maintenance, infrastructure modernization, and new rail lines.

Representatives from “ADY Container” LLC, a subsidiary of “Azerbaijan Railways” CJSC, actively participated in the “European Silk Road Summit” held in Budapest, Hungary, from November 29 to December 1, 2023.

In the Almaty region, the establishment of a transport and logistics hub (TLH) aimed at optimizing freight transportation is in the planning stages. According to the Ministry of Transport, details of the project are actively being worked out in collaboration with the national railway company “Қazakhstan temіr zholy” and local authorities to facilitate the movement of goods along key routes.

From November 24 to 25, in the city of Turkistan, with the support of the administration of the Turkistan region, an international economic forum titled “Turkistan: Tourism, Economy, Investments” took place. One of the central topics of discussion was the prospects for the development of the Silk Road.

The Austrian Rail Cargo Group (RCG) is planning to establish its representation in Kazakhstan in response to the country’s head of state’s call for the development of its transportation and logistics potential. Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Marat Karabayev, conducted a series of meetings with international companies to discuss issues related to the development of the country’s transportation infrastructure. During one of these meetings with Rail Cargo Group representative Daniel Dezso, possibilities of the company joining the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM) Association and opening a representation in Kazakhstan were explored.

Kazakhstan is making a significant investment in four major railway projects aimed at enhancing logistics, as reported by the Ministry of Transport. Within the framework of the national project “Dostyk – Moynqty,” the construction of second tracks and electrification of a 833 km railway segment is planned, with a total investment volume of 938.1 billion tenge. It is anticipated that these measures will increase the capacity of the segment fivefold, with the transportation speed between China and Europe reaching 1,500 km per day.

New stage of cooperation: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan launch an international cooperation center “Central Asia”

New freight semi-wagons produced by the Kazakhstan Wagon Construction Company (KWCC) in Ekibastuz have joined the expanding fleet of freight wagons at Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ). With the addition of 50 new domestically manufactured semi-wagons, the overall fleet is now equipped with modern technology meeting all requirements and boasting a payload capacity of 70 tons. These wagons come with a certificate of compliance with the Customs Union standards.

A groundbreaking rail logistics terminal is now in the construction phase in Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking a collaborative effort between KTZ and China’s Xi’an Dry Port. The primary objective is to establish a cutting-edge terminal serving the growing volumes of e-commerce. The project kicked off last week with a launching ceremony, signaling the initiation of construction activities.