Chinese Contractor Starts Work To Expand Aktau Port’s Cargo Capacity

Aktau port is preparing to begin the main dredging work in its water area. The Chinese contractor plans to complete the project by the end of 2026, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the project’s general contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., has already completed geodetic surveys and processed the data needed for the work.

Specialized vessels, machinery, and equipment are now being delivered to the port. An enclosing dam is also being built at the reclamation site. Of the planned 785 metres, 680 metres have already been completed.

The main dredging work is expected to begin in the second half of July 2026.

After the project is completed, the permissible draft in the port area will increase to 6–7 metres. This should allow vessels to be loaded more fully and speed up cargo handling.

The project is linked to the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor. By 2028, its capacity is expected to increase from six million to 10 million tons.

In the first five months of 2026, container shipments from China to Europe along the route increased by 30%.

Original author: Alexander Zhdanov

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