Caspian Integrated Maritime Solutions (CIMS), a joint venture from December 2022 between Abu Dhabi-based AD Ports Group and the KazMorTransFlot (KMTF), the national shipping company of Kazakhstan fully-owned by the national Kazakhstan oil company KazMunayGas (KMG), has announced the acquisition and commencement of operations of two vessels designed for the transportation of Kazakhstan’s oil across the Caspian Sea.
A naming ceremony took place in Aktau, Kazakhstan attended by a number of guests where the two oil tankers were named “Liwa” and “Taraz” after ancient cities in the UAE and Kazakhstan.
AD Port states that the two vessels represent a combined investment of USD35 million, and are specifically tailored for the Caspian’s shallow draft.
They are also equipped with inert gas systems ensuring safety and compliance with modern standards.
The two tankers “Liwa” and “Taraz” will be operating across the Caspian Sea where they will serve as shuttle tankers, undertaking consecutive voyages to move Kazakhstan’s oil to Azerbaijan.
KazMorTransFlot is after this investment in the two new vessels operating totally five oil tankers, following the acquisition by KMTF of three Aframax tankers earlier in 2023.
Capt. Ammar Mubarak Al Shaiba, chief executive Maritime & Shipping Cluster, AD Ports Group, said: “I am delighted to attend this momentous occasion with our partners in Kazakhstan. This investment in advanced vessels equipped with inert gas systems marks a strategic milestone for AD Ports Group.”
“As we expand our footprint into shipping and global networks, we are not only ensuring the safe and efficient transport of Kazakhstan’s oil but also setting a precedent to guide safety and security advances in the maritime industry. This move symbolises our unwavering commitment to excellence, safety, and sustainable practices as we navigate towards a brighter future for global shipping and trade.”
From his side Aidar Orzhanov, general director, KMTF, the National Maritime Shipping Company of Kazakhstan, pointed out: “We are implementing this project together with our strategic partner AD Ports Group in accordance with the task of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan K.K.Tokayev, to create alternative routes for transportation of Kazakhstani oil.”
“This will allow us to efficiently, and safely transport Kazakhstani oil in Caspian Sea for further shipment to international markets. We believe that this is only the first step of our long-term cooperation with AD Ports Group.”
