Rhenus sets sights on intermodal terminal in Aktau, Kazakhstan

Germany-based logistics specialist Rhenus Group has signed a declaration of intent with the Kazakh company NC Aktau Sea Commercial Port JSC for the development of an intermodal terminal in the port of Aktau, Kazakhstan. The agreement was signed as part of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s trip to Central Asia.

“The Eurasian corridor is not only a trade route of international significance that contributes to the EU’s diversification strategy, but also a strategic lever for the global economy. Through our investments in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are supported by the governments of both these states as well as Germany, we are boosting regional infrastructure and reinforcing the position of German industry and the local export trade in the global market,” says Tobias Bartz, CEO and Chairman of the Rhenus Group, and member of the German government’s delegation.

In addition, the company has signed an agreement to establish a joint venture with AO Uztemir’yolkonteyner, a subsidiary of Uzbek Railways, to develop a modern logistics centre in Andijan. Rhenus group will have a majority interest in the JV.

The latest deals build on last year’s agreement between Rhenus Group and Kazakhstan Railways (National Company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy) to develop transhipment facilities in the Caspian ports. In doing so, the two companies aim to help strengthen the ‘Middle Corridor’ transport route between Europe and China that passes south of Russia. The Middle Corridor runs from Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey via Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan to China. Last year, the company also signed a deal with OTY to establish joint ventures to operate and expand combined terminals in Andijan and Samarkand. The partners agreed to take strategic measures to expand capacity and increase rail freight traffic in the Republic of Uzbekistan.

“These initiatives are complemented by strategic measures undertaken by the logistics service provider in the South Caucasus. Combined with a strong presence in Turkey, this will allow the creation of a seamless supply chain along the Trans- Caspian International Transport Route, known as the Middle Corridor between Europe and China via Central Asia,” Rhenus said.