AD Ports Group, the leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a strategic partnership agreement with Kazakh National Oil Company (KazMunayGas) and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Industry & Infrastructural Development for strategic cooperation in the development of a marine fleet and coastal infrastructure in the Caspian and Black seas.
The agreements build upon the shareholder agreement signed in December with KMTF (Kazmortransflot), a subsidiary of KazMunayGas, to launch an exclusive joint venture to provide offshore services for energy companies in the Caspian Sea.
The new agreements signal a significant expansion for AD Ports Group in Central Asia and Kazakhstan, which is a major market for energy, transport and logistics that continues to gain in strategic importance as a key trade route between Europe and Asia.
Under the terms of the strategic partnership agreement with KazMunayGas, the two companies will review opportunities to collaborate on a broad range of projects in the area, including the development of a new fleet of shallow-water vessels to support offshore operations in the Caspian Sea and the development of a tanker fleet to support the export of Kazakh oil.
AD Ports Group will also look to develop bespoke training and development programs for Kazakh teams via Abu Dhabi Maritime Academy.
The MoU with the Ministry of Industry & Infrastructural Development will see AD Ports Group look to collaborate on the development of international trade and transport corridors through the Republic of Kazakhstan, potentially developing port and logistics facilities as well as enhancing the national maritime fleet.
“We are honored to have His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, witness this significant event. This wide-ranging and far-sighted partnership agreement, which is the first of its kind between a UAE company and KazMunayGas, aligns with the strategic priorities of the UAE and establishes a strong platform for growth in Kazakhstan and the wider region. We are also pleased to work with the Ministry of Industry & Infrastructural Development on developing international trade and transport corridors.”
Mr. Marat Karabayev, Minister of Industry and Infrastructural Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said that “We see significant potential in the development of port and logistics facilities in Kazakhstan to enhance our role as a trade corridor and increase export opportunities for our companies. We are pleased to work with AD Ports Group on these projects, building on their expertise to develop integrated ports, trade and logistics hubs in key strategic locations.”
Mr. Mirzagaliyev Magzum, Chairman, KazMunayGas, commented that “We are delighted to strengthen our strategic partnership with AD Ports Group, which offers robust capabilities in logistics, maritime, ports and digital services, with a particular focus on the energy sector. Bringing together our two businesses provides an opportunity to address some of the long-term challenges and opportunities of managing growing volumes of exports on the Caspian and Black Seas, and to develop port and fleet resources to serve oil and gas exploration and production.”
Related: AD Ports enters into partnership with Kazakhstan’s Kazmortransflot