At the Kazakhstan Transport and Logistics Forum: Transit Potential and Infrastructure, Kairat Kalliola presented a detailed description and development strategy for the port of Aktau, a key element of the Trans-Caspian Multimodal Transport Route (TMTM). Speaking about the current situation, there was a decrease in the volume of cargo along the TMTM route last year, caused by a reorientation to the southern direction due to a decrease in freight costs and the end of subsidies for shippers. However, on November 25, 2022, road maps were signed between Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, providing for an increase in the corridor’s throughput capacity to 10 million tons per year by 2027.
To implement this development strategy for the Aktau port, a plan consisting of 5 stages was presented:
- First stage (2024-2025): Creation of a container hub, increasing the port’s container capacity to 250 thousand TEUs per year, and updating reloading equipment.
- Second stage (2025-2028): Increase in berth capacity and creation of additional berths for handling general cargo.
- Third stage (28-30s): Formation of a new territory and creation of additional berth facilities.
- Fourth and fifth stages (2031-2035): Increasing the port’s capacity and attracting various investors for modernization and development.
In addition, as part of the digitalization of port activities, electronic information exchange systems were developed, and a web portal was created for port clients. Kairat Kalliola also noted that the port of Aktau was awarded Ecoports status in 2022, confirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative development.