Dutch shipbuilding group Damen Shipyards has signed a framework agreement to support the development of a new €100 million shipyard in Kazakhstan, according to authorities in the country’s Mangystau region.
“At this stage, the agreement focuses on exploring the project and supporting the development of local shipbuilding and ship repair capabilities,” a spokesperson for Damen told Maritime Journal. ”The yard is intended to serve local and regional clients, contributing to the growing maritime activity in the region.
“Details such as the specific vessel portfolio and the exact location of the shipyard are yet to be determined and will be defined in later stages. As such, it is too early to confirm whether vessels will be part of Damen’s existing portfolio or newly developed types.
“Kazakhstan has been identified as a relevant location due to its ambition to strengthen its industrial base and the increasing strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.”
The agreement was signed during the Kazakhstan-European Union Business Forum in Brussels. Regional officials said the project is intended to establish a modern shipbuilding facility, introduce advanced technologies, create skilled jobs and strengthen maritime transport infrastructure.
“The sides plan to introduce modern technologies, create a new production site for the construction of vessels and generate jobs,” said Kazakh news agency Kazinform. “The project is called to enhance the region’s industrial capacity, expand its transport and logistics potential and strengthen cooperation among Caspian states.”
The proposed investment comes as Kazakhstan seeks to strengthen its maritime capability on the Caspian Sea and expand domestic shipbuilding capacity, the news agency said, reporting regional authorities as saying the project would help develop local production while supporting the country’s growing transport and logistics ambitions.
The agreement formed part of a wider package of commercial and investment initiatives announced during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to Brussels, where Kazakhstan and the European Union reaffirmed plans to deepen cooperation in transport, infrastructure and strategic industries, according to the European Council.
Damen has more than 35 shipbuilding, repair and conversion yards worldwide, with operations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Further details of the shipyard will be released as the project develops, Damen said.
