Caspian at the crossroads

Germany-based Rhenus Group has signed a declaration of intent with Kazakhstan’s NC Aktau Sea Commercial Port JSC to develop an intermodal terminal in Aktau, Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is developing a new trade route from China to Russia via the Irtysh River, with a port and railway planned, aiming for completion by 2026.

China and Kazakhstan agreed to invest US$3.7 billion in joint projects, including the construction of a new container hub at Aktau Port on the Caspian Sea coast.

In February of this year alone, Russia’s container market rose by 23.5 per cent year-on-year to 533,000 TEU. The preceding month also saw growth.

This year, Kazakhstan inked a MoU with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, securing an investment package of EUR 1.5 billion.

While Ukraine has managed to expand throughput via its sea harbours to 75% of pre-war levels, further growth is hindered by reduced production volumes.