Kazakhstan, IMO discuss tanker safety and Trans-Caspian transport cooperation

Kazakhstan, IMO discuss tanker safety and Trans-Caspian transport cooperation

Kazakhstan and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) discussed maritime safety, transport across the Caspian Sea and the protection of commercial vessels during a meeting between Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom Alibek Bakayev and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez.

The talks focused on the prospects for broadening Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the UN agency, including technical cooperation and the implementation of international maritime standards. The two sides also discussed maritime routes linked to Kazakhstan’s foreign trade and energy exports.

Bakayev underlined the importance of the Caspian Sea for international transport and logistics, as well as Kazakhstan’s plans to further expand maritime infrastructure. He referred to the development of the maritime segment of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, growing cargo traffic across the Caspian and the modernization of the ports of Aktau and Kuryk. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening transport links between Central Asia, China and European markets.

The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also called the Middle Corridor, relies on rail and maritime infrastructure to move cargo between Asia and Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus. Kazakhstan’s Aktau and Kuryk ports are major maritime hubs on the Caspian part of the route. Dominguez said the IMO was ready to assist Kazakhstan with technical cooperation and the application of international maritime standards.

The discussion also touched on the situation in the Black Sea and the safety of commercial shipping. Bakayev stressed Kazakhstan’s interest in ensuring safe navigation for civilian vessels, including tankers carrying Kazakh oil. He also highlighted the importance of preserving stable maritime routes used for Kazakhstan’s foreign trade and energy transport.

Dominguez backed the need to safeguard civilian and commercial shipping and uphold maritime safety. He said the IMO would continue to promote compliance with maritime safety principles and the protection of civilian maritime transport. Possible cooperation with Kazakhstan will also include the application of international standards relevant to maritime operations.

The two sides agreed to keep cooperating within the framework of Kazakhstan’s participation in the IMO and to concentrate on practical areas of engagement. Kazakhstan has been a member of the International Maritime Organization since 1994. The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international standards on the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping.