Dredging at Kazakhstan's Aktau port has moved into its main phase, carried out by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC). The Ministry of Transport said on 5 October that about 1.3 million cubic metres of soil will be removed from the port waters, bringing depths to 6–7 m, with completion planned by the end of the year.
The reason is simple: the Caspian Sea level keeps falling. In shallower water, ships carry less cargo, berthing becomes more restricted and the port's real throughput drops. The ministry describes the project as a measure for navigation safety and stable port operations, and as groundwork for further investment in port infrastructure.
The general contractor has completed preparatory work, including geodetic surveys, data processing and mobilising specialised dredgers, machinery and equipment. At the reclamation site, 680 m of a planned 785 m containment dam had been built. According to the ministry, the contractor has drawn up a work schedule and the parties hold regular coordination meetings.
For shippers using the Middle Corridor, the ministry's projection matters more: once the work is done, volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route could rise by up to 30%, and the cost of the sea leg could fall by 10–15%. These are government estimates; the actual effect depends on the completion date, fleet deployment and coordination with ports on the other shore, so they should not be treated as settled.
Rules related to this news
A few practical points. Companies planning China–Europe or general cargo shipments via Aktau may want to leave room for adjustment in next year's plans and settle details after the work is finished and shipping lines update draught and loading limits. When asking forwarders or carriers for rates, it helps to ask what draught the offer assumes and whether depth changes could trigger surcharges. And this project should not be confused with the earlier Aktau container hub involving Lianyungang, which is a separate matter.
Aktau sits on the eastern shore of the Caspian and is part of the Caspian transport and logistics hub, linking Kazakhstan with routes toward Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia and Turkey; it handles dry cargo, crude oil and petroleum products. The dredging contract shows Chinese engineering firms moving deeper into Kazakhstan's port infrastructure.
Sources:
Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan, https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/transport/press/news/details/1246493?lang=ru
PortNews, https://portnews.ru/news/397902/
Neftegaz.RU, https://neftegaz.ru/news/transport-and-storage/938088-v-kazakhstanskom-portu-aktau-pristupili-k-uglubleniyu-dna-kaspiya/
Lada.kz, https://www.lada.kz/aktau_news/society/159072-akvatoriiu-porta-aktau-uglubiat-na-sem-metrov.html
BAQ.kz, https://rus.baq.kz/port-aktau-uglubyat-do-6-7-metrov-iz-za-obmeleniya-kaspiya-320047653/
Key facts
- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport announced that the main dredging works at Aktau Port had commenced.
- The Aktau Port dredging works are expected to remove approximately 1.3 million cubic metres of sediment, increase the water depth to 6 to 7 metres, and be completed by the end of this year.
- China Harbour, acting as the general contractor, has completed surveying and data processing and dispatched specialised dredgers, machinery, and equipment to the site.
- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport expects cargo volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor to increase by up to 30% following completion of the dredging works.
- Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport expects costs on the maritime leg to decrease by 10% to 15%. The relevant figures are official forecasts.
- Aktau Port is located on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea and primarily handles the transshipment of dry bulk commodities, crude oil, and refined oil products.
FAQ
When are the Aktau Port dredging works scheduled to be completed?
The main dredging works have commenced and are scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.
What do the Aktau Port dredging works primarily involve?
The works are expected to remove approximately 1.3 million cubic metres of sediment and increase the water depth to 6 to 7 metres in response to the continued decline in Caspian Sea water levels.
Who is undertaking the Aktau Port dredging works?
China Harbour is serving as the general contractor and has completed surveying and data processing, as well as dispatched specialised dredgers, machinery, and equipment to the site.
Will the dredging works affect transport costs and cargo volumes on the Trans-Caspian route?
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport estimates that, upon completion, cargo volumes on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor could increase by up to 30%, while costs on the maritime leg could decrease by 10% to 15%. These figures are official forecasts.
What should shippers consider when requesting quotations from carriers?
Shippers should ask freight forwarders or carriers to clarify the draft conditions underlying the quotation and whether changes in water depth would trigger surcharges.