Kazakhstan tightens anti-terrorism rules for Caspian Oil and gas facilities

Oil and gas companies operating in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea will be required, upon request, to provide sites near their production facilities for the deployment of personnel and equipment from the maritime operational headquarters responsible for countering terrorism.

The new requirements were approved by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, according to Kazinform.

The rules apply to owners, operators and managers of facilities involved in subsoil use in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea.

Sites designated to accommodate the headquarters’ personnel and equipment must be capable of housing at least 10 staff members, be equipped with a helipad, and be located no more than 23 kilometres from offshore production facilities. The authorities will also be permitted to deploy personnel and equipment at mobile offshore facilities located near production sites.

Oil and gas companies will bear the costs associated with accommodating the headquarters’ personnel and equipment and supporting their operations. The parties will determine by agreement the scope and amount of those expenses, as well as the procedure for reimbursing them.

The order will enter into force on October 17, 2026.

By Tamilla Hasanova