On 30 October, KazMunayGas (KMG) announced that the first batch of equipment made in China for the new gas processing plant in Zhanaozen (Zhanaozen), Mangystau region, has arrived by sea at the Yersay terminal of Kuryk port on the Caspian Sea. The batch includes furnaces, heat exchangers, tanks and electric heaters, and further equipment will arrive in batches in line with the project schedule.
When did the first Chinese equipment set off and how much is still on the way?
According to KMG, shipping began on 16 August 2026, and three more cargo ships are currently heading for Kazakhstan. Interfax-Kazakhstan reported the same day that the equipment was unloaded at the Yersay terminal in Kuryk port.
How far along is equipment manufacturing for the new Zhanaozen plant?
KMG says manufacturing of the main process units and module assembly are still under way at production sites in China. Of 240 long-lead equipment items, 138 are complete and 102 are still being manufactured, putting overall long-lead manufacturing progress at 61.6%. For comparison, KMG's 29 August release gave 122 items complete and 118 in production.
Why modular construction?
KMG says the main process units of the plant are first built as modules in a factory and then shipped to the site for installation, to shorten the schedule and reduce on-site work. According to KMG's 29 August release, 38 modules are planned for the whole plant, with a total weight of about 30,000 tonnes and a largest single module measuring 45 m long, 9 m wide and 11.5 m high.
How much gas will the new plant process once built?
According to KMG, the new plant is designed to process 900 million cubic metres of natural and associated gas per year, producing commercial gas, liquefied petroleum gas and a pentane–hexane fraction for residents and industrial enterprises of Mangystau region. KMG's 29 August release also says that once the new plant starts operating, the existing Zhanaozen gas processing plant is planned to remain in operation at about 30–40% of its current load.
Frequently asked questions
### Who made this equipment?
KMG only states that the equipment was made in China and has not disclosed the manufacturer's name; this article draws no inference.
### Is the new plant already built?
Not yet. KMG says the main process units and modules are still being manufactured in China, foundation and civil works are under way at the site, and the equipment will be installed after it arrives in batches.
### How is the equipment shipped from China to Mangystau region?
KMG says it is shipped by sea, with the first batch arriving at the Yersay terminal of Kuryk port on the Caspian Sea; the specific route has not been disclosed.
### How is this project connected with Chinese companies?
Public information currently shows that the plant's long-lead equipment and process modules are manufactured at production sites in China and shipped from Chinese ports; the contractor and contract amounts are not disclosed in this release.
Further reading
- More energy project news: Kazakhstan investment and projects news section
- Similar project progress: Kashagan gas processing plants timetable update
- Chinese-funded project at the same port: Chinese company Guoyou plans a multipurpose terminal at Kuryk port
- Setting up a project company in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan company registration services
Sources
- KMG press release, 30 October: https://www.kmg.kz/ru/press-center/press-releases/obor-zhan/
- KMG press release, 29 August: https://www.kmg.kz/ru/press-center/press-releases/gpz-zhanaozen-poseshenie-29082026/
- Interfax-Kazakhstan, 30 October: https://www.interfax.kz/ru/financial-and-economic-news/143950
- Kapital.kz, 30 October: https://kapital.kz/economic/154988/dlya-stroyashegosya-gpz-v-zhanaozene-dostavili-pervuyu-partiyu-oborudovaniya-iz-kitaya.html
The cover image was generated by AI and is not a real photograph.