Unfavorable weather conditions in the Caspian Basin complicate vessel calls and grain tanker unloading

06-11-2025

In October 2025, unfavorable weather conditions were recorded for more than half the month, and ports were closed to vessel calls for 11 days, two days longer than during the same period in 2024.

Weather conditions prevent terminals from operating at full capacity and unloading railcars in a timely manner. To avoid the accumulation of rolling stock and the reduction in the capacity of the railway infrastructure, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy is forced to temporarily regulate grain shipments to Caspian ports until the situation stabilizes. The low water level at the berths of Aktau Port (3.5 meters) further reduces the efficiency of the infrastructure, limiting vessel loading.

Without corrective action, there is a risk of immobilization of the grain tanker fleet during the period of mass shipments, and therefore, loading is regulated in accordance with vessel charters.

In the first ten months of 2025, the total volume of grain transported by rail amounted to 11.2 million tons, a 38% increase compared to the previous year. Of this, 8.45 million tons were exported (an increase of 39%), while domestic shipments increased by 34%.

Kazakhstani grain shipments by rail are showing significant growth on several export routes. Shipments to Iran have doubled, reaching 773,000 tons.

KTZ continues to provide export shipments without disrupting the entire transportation process, maintaining ongoing coordination with terminals, traders, and ports.
 

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»