Kazakh PM instructs faster cargo processing for maritime infrastructure growth

Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov instructed the Ministry of Transport and the Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) national railway company to devise a comprehensive set of measures by the end of January 2024 for developing maritime infrastructure.

Smailov also directed KTZ, the Ministries of Finance and Agriculture, and the Border Service to integrate information systems to minimise administrative barriers in cargo processing. The Prime Minister’s directive encompasses initiatives to expand the merchant fleet, increase port capacity, and streamline cargo transshipment processes, The Astana Times reports citing the Prime Minister’s press service.

Advancements in Railway Infrastructure

Minister of Transport Marat Karabayev revealed plans for developing railway infrastructure adjacent to seaports. Key projects include constructing 404 km of additional tracks on the Beineu-Mangystau, Zharyk-Sekseul, and Shalkar-Kuryk railway sections. Additionally, five stations are set to undergo modernization, and the Shalkar-Beineu section will see the introduction of automatic blocking. These measures are part of the approved plan to modernize the main railway network until 2030. New tracks leading to the terminals of the Aktau port, along with corresponding station infrastructure, will also be constructed.

Kazakhstan’s Digital Transformation in Transport Corridors

Karabayev said that Kazakhstan is set to revolutionise its transport corridors towards digitalization. He mentioned that the Singaporean company PSA developed the Digital Trade Corridor platform for the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, integrating it with the Xi’an Dry Port’s information system. Xi’an Dry Port, a vital Chinese transport and logistics hub, handles nearly 30 per cent of containers heading to Europe. The digital platform is also being integrated with the information systems of the Baku port, Azerbaijan Railways, and Georgia’s transport organisations. Expected to become operational by the end of March, the platform will digitize the entire cargo movement from China to Europe.

Strategic Partnerships and Automation Initiatives

According to Karabayev, KTZ entered a strategic partnership agreement with Abu Dhabi Ports on Dec. 2 to further advance digitalization efforts. This collaboration aims to automate technological processes at checkpoints along the North-South corridor, aligning with the standards of the International Maritime Organisation. Additionally, cooperation with customs authorities is underway to transition sea checkpoints to 24-hour operation, ensuring a seamless and efficient transportation network.