The Port of Aktau Receives Financial Support from the European Union

02-12-2025

Today, on the sidelines of the Tashkent Investor Forum on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor and Connectivity, Dauren Kutpanbayev, Head of the Port of Aktau, participated in the signing ceremony of a landmark European Union grant agreement.

This event marked the logical conclusion of a comprehensive financial package, including a €35 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and a €10 million grant from the European Union as an additional non-repayable portion of the financing.

According to previous joint EU-EBRD studies on sustainable transport links between Europe and Central Asia, the Port of Aktau has been identified as a key element of the Trans-Caspian route. The funds will be used to reconstruct and extend two berths, as well as to purchase weather-resistant quay cranes, which will increase container handling capacity.

With growing transport volumes and expanding transit flows, the modernization will increase the port's throughput capacity by more than 0.5 million tons of general cargo and allow it to handle four full-size vessels simultaneously.

The EU previously announced a €10 billion allocation for the development of the Trans-Caspian route. As the central link in this corridor, Kazakhstan can count on modernization of its port, rail, and logistics infrastructure, which will strengthen its position as a leading transit hub in Central Asia and ensure increased transit revenues.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»