Abu Dhabi Ports to set up new ship repair yard in Kazakhstan
Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics giant AD Ports Group is to establish a new shipbuilding and ship repair yard in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan, on the Caspian Sea.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) based group is working in co-operation with the Kazakhstan national oil company KazMunayGas (KMG) to create a multifaceted facility which would offer a broad range of services, including drydocking, afloat repairs, refurbishment work, and shipbuilding.
The shiprepair side of the new yard’s operations would be focused on the repair and maintenance of bulk carriers, container ships, tankers, OSVs and ferries that operate on the Caspian Sea.
The proposed new shipyard is expected to become a cornerstone for AD Ports and KMGs joint venture – Caspian International Maritime Solutions (CIMS), which recently added two small, shallow-draught product tankers to its operations in the region.
“It would not only bolster CIMS’ fleet but also extend its services to third party clients within Kazakhstan’s shipping and offshore maritime sectors, substantially enhancing the maritime capabilities within the Caspian Sea region, making it a pivotal hub for maritime activities,” said AD Ports on the new shipyard in a statement, adding that the shipyard deal also outlines further collaborative initiatives and projects, including the launch od additional vessel services under CIMAS.
The two new 6,973 dwt 2018-built Kazakh tankers are named Liwa (ex Maaike) and Taraz (ex Linda), acquired for USD 35 million in total and designed specifically in sea areas with draught restrictions, such as the Caspian Sea. The two new vessels are currently operating as shuttle tankers, transporting Kazakhstan’s oil to Azerbaijan.
