Kazakhstan’s Aktau port to launch dredging works in June

Kazakhstan’s Aktau port is set to begin dredging works in June 2025 to address the ongoing decline in Caspian Sea levels, Abay Turikpenbayev, Chairman of the Board of Aktau International Sea Trade Port, said during the Caspian and Central Asia Oil Trade and Transport Forum in Baku, Report informs.

Turikpenbayev highlighted that the drop in sea levels has reduced tanker loading capacity. "Currently, tankers are loaded with approximately 10,000 tons instead of 12,000 tons," he explained.

He highlighted plans to achieve a depth of 7.7 meters to facilitate full-capacity loading of vessels. "This is the first stage, ensuring stable operation for the next 3-4 years. Should the Caspian level continue to decrease, we will initiate the second and third stages of dredging," Turikpenbayev stated.

Additionally, he revealed that project and estimate documentation for dredging the port waters and entrance channel were prepared last year. "The project is planned to be implemented in three stages," he added.