Kazakhstan’s railway network, managed by Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), has reported transporting 102.4 million tons of cargo from January to May 2024. Domestically, 68.2 million tons were transported, and 34.2 million tons were dispatched via rail for export.
Coal continues to be a significant commodity, with 40.6 million tons transported, 30.3 million tons of which were distributed within Kazakhstan. The railway system also played a critical role in the agricultural sector, moving over 3.7 million tons of grain during this period.
In terms of industrial materials, KTZ saw a 6.8% rise in ferrous metals transportation, reaching 1.8 million tons. Iron ore and manganese transport surged by 12.1%, totaling 8.8 million tons, while non-ferrous ore and sulfur raw materials saw a 14% increase to 10 million tons.
Export activities also saw a boost across several commodities. Grinding products experienced a 2.3% rise with over 1 million tons transported, oil increased by 9.5% to 2.3 million tons, and ferrous metals saw a 5% uptick to 1.4 million tons. Chemical fertilizers and iron ore exports climbed by 12% and 8.4%, respectively. The export of construction materials also grew by 9%, reaching 142 thousand tons.
On the domestic front, grain loading grew by 2% to 956 thousand tons, ferrous metals by 12.5% to 438 thousand tons, and iron ore and manganese by 16.8% to 4 million tons. Non-ferrous ore and sulfur raw materials loading saw a significant increase of 17.4%, totaling 8.5 million tons.
Aktau Port Sets New Container Transshipment Record in May
The port of Aktau has achieved a new milestone in container handling, processing over 5.1 thousand TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) in May 2024, a record for the port.
The increase in container traffic is partly attributed to a surge in activity along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) connecting China to Europe. This route has seen a substantial uptick as shippers redirect their cargo through TITR, leveraging its advantages in delivery time and safety.
To accommodate the growing volume, the port will receive new equipment in August, including reach stackers and a 65-ton portal crane designed for handling a wide range of cargo types.
In the first five months of 2024, Aktau port handled over 15.8 thousand TEUs, marking a 50% increase from the same period last year. Of this, over 14.3 thousand TEUs were transported via the TITR, reflecting a twofold increase.
