In line with directives from the head of state, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) Joint Stock Company has begun forming its own maritime fleet as part of efforts to strengthen the maritime component of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
KTZ Express Shipping LLC, a subsidiary of KTZ Express, has signed contracts for the construction of six universal dry cargo/container vessels. Four of the ships will be built by Jiangsu Haizhongzhou Shipping Industry Co., Ltd. in the People’s Republic of China, while two will be constructed at the Baku Shipyard in the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The vessels, designed for “river–sea” operations, will have a deadweight of up to 9,900 tons and a container capacity of up to 537 TEU. They will be adapted for operations in the Caspian and Black Sea basins and are expected to enhance the integration of the maritime segment into a unified logistics chain along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
The new fleet will be equipped with modern navigation and control systems and will comply with international IMO and MARPOL standards. Classification oversight will be carried out by Bureau Veritas.
Officials state that the initiative will significantly contribute to improving the sustainability of the Trans-Caspian corridor, increasing cargo transportation efficiency, and expanding international transit opportunities in the region.
