Kazakhstan's Kuryk Port Undergoes an Extension with the introduction of Sarzha Terminal; Jan De Nul Takes charge of Dredging Operations.
Updated and Refreshed Article:
Kicking Off the Middle Corridor: Sarzha Marine Terminal's Dredging Success
ASTANA - Belgium's maritime powerhouse, Jan De Nul, has recently wrapped up a monumental project at the Sarzha multifunctional marine terminal within Kazakhstan's Kuryk Port. This significant dredging work serves to boost cargo capacity and ensure secure navigation, bolstering the region's pursuit of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor).
Eager to contribute to Kazakhstan's maritime advancement, Jan De Nul mobilized its high-end Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) Vesalius and a skilled crew to perform extensive dredging operations at the terminal. Battling challenging soil conditions, including stubborn rock, these dredging efforts were critical to expanding and deepening Kuryk Port's access channel and turning basin.
This triumphant dredging endeavor not only guarantees the safe transit of colossal grain cargo vessels and container feeders, but also underscores Jan De Nul's dedication to providing top-tier, innovative marine solutions in Kazakhstan.
"The Middle Corridor promises a substantial economic boost for the region. Governments of Turkey, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are making unwavering commitments to build it. We're thrilled to be part of crafting this critical trade route" remarked Stefan Muntoiu, business development manager at Jan De Nul.
Now operational and dolled-up for larger dry and general cargo volumes, Kuryk Port emerges as the first Caspian Sea port poised to accommodate the estimated corridor capacities, enjoying strong backing from local and global stakeholders.
"Our team salutes our role in shaping this milestone project, improving Kazakhstan's maritime logistics infrastructure, and fortifying its standing as a Caspian region hub for Trans-Caspian Corridor transportation," said Muntoiu.
Another Middle Corridor jewel Jan De Nul is gearing up to shape is the construction of a new deep-sea port in Anaklia, Georgia. The most recent update indicates they'll tackle breakwater, access channel, and turning basin construction, ultimately orchestrating the creation of a port capable of handling 600,000 containers.
Insights:
- The Middle Corridor, connecting China to Europe via the Caspian Sea, is rapidly rising as a parallel option to the Northern Route through Russia, sparked by geopolitical tensions and sanctions.
- The EU has disbursed €12 billion to improve Central Asian connectivity, with €3 billion targeted at the transport sector alone.
- China is investing heavily in infrastructure along the corridor, including port and railway development.
- The corridor encompasses routes through countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, with China also exploration alternative paths to minimize dependence on specific transit nations.
- By 2030, the World Bank predicts a threefold increase in trade along the Middle Corridor, as Europe seeks alternative routes to wean itself off Russian ones.
- The success of Jan De Nul in expanding Kuryk Port's access channel and turning basin indicates their commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, where substantial finance from the EU and China is being invested to accommodate growing energy and public-transit interests.
- In addition to their work at Kuryk Port, Jan De Nul is also planning to contribute to the construction of a deep-sea port in Anaklia, Georgia, aiming to facilitate the transportation of both energy resources and general cargo, further strengthening the Middle Corridor's ability to compete with conventional routes in finance and industry.
