Turkmenistan develops maritime industry

By Azernews

By Nigar Abbasova

Turkmenistan, enjoying advantageous geographic location, keeps focus on the planned and ongoing infrastructure projects implemented to meet the demand of its economy and international trade.

Turkmen President Gurbangulu Berdimuhamedov initiated the program on all-round modernization of port infrastructure in the Caspian sector of the country.  

Turkmenistan’s new Turkmenbashi Seaport on the Caspian Sea is being developed to become one of the major ports of the world and the biggest one of the region.

The new port, which is deemed as “maritime gates” of Turkmenistan and a strategically important element of the transport system, is expected to increase the bandwidth capacity and develop international economic and trade relations, diversify and improve the access of the country to world markets.

Construction of the port worth $2 billion began in 2013. The port will be used to export oil products, liquefied gas and textiles.  The project envisages construction of facilities complex, as well as terminals, shipyards, land-based infrastructure.

Special attention is attributed to the creation of multimodal centre, which will link maritime, rail and motor traffic into a united network. The estimated capacity of the port stands at about 15 million tons of freight per year.  

The project of the new international sea port in Turkmenbashi envisages the construction of ferry, passenger and container terminals. The complex will also include a general loading terminal, a terminal for bulk cargo as well as shipbuilding and vessel maintenance plants.