Kazakhstan extends Kuryk Port through Sarzha Terminal, with Jan De Nul overseeing dredging operations
Kickstarting Kazakhstan's Maritime Revolution: Jan De Nul's Cutting-Edge Dredging Project
ASTANA - In a bold move to bolster Kazakhstan's maritime infrastructure, Belgian powerhouse, Jan De Nul, has wrapped up an extensive dredging project at Sarzha, the multi-functional marine terminal at the Kuryk Port. This development is a significant step toward enhancing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, popularly known as the Middle Corridor, a trade route connecting China and Europe through the Caspian Sea.
Jan De Nul's powerful cutter suction dredger (CSD) Vesalius, operated by a specialized crew, spearheaded the dredging works at the terminal. The venture, executed in challenging soil conditions, including hard rock, played a pivotal role in the expansion and deepening of Kuryk Port's access channel and turning basin.
"The Middle Corridor is rapidly gaining traction as a dependable alternative to the northern route via Russia and the southern route via the Suez Canal. Kazakhstan's focus on maritime infrastructure development is much appreciated, and we're proud to be a part of it," Jan De Nul's statement dated April 28 states.
The successful dredging operation not only guarantees the safe navigation and maneuverability of large cargo vessels and container feeders but also underscores Jan De Nul's commitment to delivering top-notch, technologically advanced marine solutions in Kazakhstan.
Stefan Muntoiu, Jan De Nul's business development manager, highlights the Middle Corridor's immense economic impact on the region. "The governments of Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are making firm decisions to develop it, and we're thrilled to contribute to the development of this significant trade route," Muntoiu stated.
Kuryk Port is now ready to handle increased volumes of dry and general cargo, making it the first Caspian Sea port ready for the estimated corridor capacities, with strong backing from key local and international stakeholders.
"Our team is ecstatic to have played a role in this landmark project, boosting Kazakhstan's maritime logistics infrastructure and fortifying its strategic position in the Caspian region as a hub for the Trans-Caspian Corridor transportation," Muntoiu further added.
Meanwhile, Jan De Nul is preparing for another significant Middle Corridor project - the construction of a new deep-sea port in Anaklia, Georgia. According to the latest updates, the project will include the building of a breakwater, access channels, and turning basins, establishing a new port with a cargo capacity of 600,000 containers[unlock_insight].
The Middle Corridor's growth is far-reaching, with Kazakhstan driving comprehensive modernization and expansion efforts, fueled by both domestic initiatives and global partnerships. Apart from the Kuryk Port development, Kazakhstan is completing second tracks on the Dostyk-Moyinty railway, constructing a container hub in Aktau with Chinese partners, and financing a terminal at Azerbaijan’s Alat port[unlock_insight][unlock_insight].
Known to serve as a reliable alternative to the Russia-dependent northern routes and Suez Canal pathways, the Middle Corridor has caught the attention of the EU, China, and regional investors[unlock_insight]. Its strategic redundancy and alignment with EU-China trade diversification goals position it as a critical component of Kazakhstan’s maritime and transit economy[unlock_insight][unlock_insight][unlock_insight]. Despite facing challenges in handling massive cargo volumes compared to established routes, the Middle Corridor's geostrategic significance continues to soar[unlock_insight][unlock_insight][unlock_insight].
- Jan De Nul's dredging project at Sarzha, the marine terminal at Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan, is a key step in enhancing the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a significant trade route connecting China and Europe through the Caspian Sea.
- In preparation for another significant Middle Corridor project, Jan De Nul is planning to construct a new deep-sea port in Anaklia, Georgia, including the building of a breakwater, access channels, and turning basins.
- The successful dredging operation at Kuryk Port by Jan De Nul's powerful cutter suction dredger Vesalius ensures the safe navigation of large cargo vessels and container feeders, and underscores Jan De Nul's commitment to delivering advanced marine solutions in Kazakhstan.
- Stefan Muntoiu, Jan De Nul's business development manager, stated that the Middle Corridor has far-reaching economic implications for the region, as the governments of Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are making firm decisions to develop it, contributing significantly to its growth.
