The ceremonial arrival of TARAZ and LIWA tankers to the home port of Aktau took place on 26 November.
The oil tankers were acquired under cooperation between KazMunayGas (KMG) and AD Ports Group. The owner of the new tankers with the 8,000 tons’ deadweight is Caspian Integrated Maritime Solutions Ltd (CIMS) Joint Venture, whose shareholders are Kazmortransflot LLP (a subsidiary of KMG) and International Maritime Investments Ltd (a subsidiary of AD Ports Group).
Akim of Mangistau region Nurlan Nogayev, CEO of KMG Magzum Mirzagaliev, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Kazakhstan Mohamed Saeed Alariqi, CEO of AD Ports Group Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, General Director of Kazmortransflot LLP Aidar Orzhanov, as well as other esteemed guests attended the ceremony.
KMG’s CEO, in his ceremonial message, noted that the tankers were acquired under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instruction to diversify the Kazakh hydrocarbon export routes.
«Together with acquiring the new tankers, we have made an important step in developing the Trans-Caspian route. In this regard, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to ADPorts Group – our strategic partner – for our successful joint project delivery. The new tankers pave the way to expanding our CIMS Joint Venture’s oil fleet, which has ambitious goals to promote its services on the global logistics market», — KMG’s CEO M. Mirzagaliyev said.
Akim of Mangystau region, Nurlan Nogayev, extended congratulations to Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, CEO of AD Ports Group, and all guests from the UAE on the addition of new oil tankers to the international commercial seaport of Aktau. He also assured that the mayor’s office of Mangystau region is ready to support all initiatives to strengthen bilateral Kazakh-Arab cooperation and foster the development of the transport and logistics industry in Kazakhstan.
Straight after all guests addressed their message, both countries’ anthems were played, and the tankers’ godmothers traditionally gave their blessing. Mrs Mubarka Al Mazrouei from the UAE was invited as a godmother of the Liwa tanker, while the godmother of the Taraz tanker was Ayagul Mirazova, the Hero of Labour and Honoured Teacher of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
It should be noted that one of the tankers has the name of an oasis in the UAE – Liwa, the second one is named after the ancient city of Kazakhstan – Taraz.
The vessels were built at the Damen shipyard owned by the Dutch concern. The tankers are 140 meters long and 16.7 meters wide, with a 4.2 meters draft and a 10-knot rate. They are equipped with advanced control systems with high technical characteristics and modern equipment, ensuring their reliability and high performance. The tankers comply with all international safety standards and environmental requirements.
The new tankers’ operation is planned to start in December 2023. They will participate in the transportation of Kazakh oil through the Caspian Sea.
After the official ceremony, the guests boarded the tankers to make a familiarization tour.
To recap, shipping of the annual 1.5 million tons of Kazakh oil along the Aktau – Baku – Tbilisi – Ceyhan route started in March 2023. Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, on a parity basis, are transporting oil on the Aktau – Baku sea route. New tankers will help to fully perform the obligations of the Kazakh Party in terms of the annual transportation of 750 thousand tons of oil.
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AD Ports Group is the UAE port, industrial and logistics operator. The company is one of the largest holding companies in the region and has a broad portfolio of large companies covering key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. AD Ports Group operates several clusters, including ports, industrial cities, free zones, shipping, logistics, and digital technology.
National Company KazMunayGas JSC is the leading vertically integrated oil and gas company in Kazakhstan. KMG manages assets throughout the entire production cycle, from exploration and production of hydrocarbons to transportation, refining and specialized services. The company, founded in 2002, represents the interests of the country’s oil and gas industry.
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