A launch ceremony for the largest vessel ever built in Kazakhstan has taken place in the city of Oral (Uralsk). The ship, named Dinmukhamed Kunaev, is предназначен for the needs of the country’s Navy.
Largest domestically built vessel
Construction of the biggest ship in Kazakhstan’s shipbuilding history has been completed in the West Kazakhstan region. The ceremonial launch was held at the “Zenit” plant in Oral, commissioned by the Ministry of Defense.
The vessel is named after prominent statesman Dinmukhamed Kunaev, highlighting the symbolic importance of the project and its contribution to the country’s industrial and naval development.
Technical specifications
The new vessel stands out for its size and versatility, designed to perform a wide range of tasks:
- Displacement — 720 tons
- Length — 51 meters
- Beam — 9.5 meters
- Speed — up to 16 knots
- Cargo hold capacity — 30 cubic meters
- Seaworthiness — up to sea state 8
- Crew — حوالي 30 nəfər
It is engineered for operation in harsh weather conditions and can be deployed in various maritime missions.
Purpose: fleet support
The vessel will serve as a logistics support ship for the Kazakh Navy. Its main tasks include:
- Fuel supply to ships and boats
- Provisioning (food and essentials)
- Participation in fleet logistics operations
This will strengthen the Navy’s support infrastructure and enhance operational independence.
Transfer to Aktau
Before entering active service, the vessel will undergo additional preparations. In particular, installation of the mast will be carried out in Aktau due to temporary removal requirements for passing under bridges.
A shipyard with military heritage
This is the 37th vessel built at the “Zenit” plant, whose history dates back to World War II. The facility was established in 1941 based on the evacuated “Dvigatel” plant from Leningrad.
During the war, it produced:
- Torpedoes
- Naval mines
- Aviation equipment
Notably, just one month after relocation, the plant had already begun supplying the фронт.
Strategic importance
The launch of this vessel reflects Kazakhstan’s growing shipbuilding capacity and strengthening defense potential. Projects like this contribute to:
- Industrial development
- Job creation
- Reduced dependence on foreign suppliers
- Enhanced maritime security
Overall, the project marks an important step in advancing Kazakhstan’s national shipbuilding industry.
