Ports and Inland Waterways in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, a landlocked country in Central Asia, has no direct sea coastline, which strongly shapes its maritime activity. It does, however, have a rich hydrographic network, including major rivers and lakes that play a decisive role in transport and trade. Among these waterways, the Caspian Sea, to which Kazakhstan has access, is a fundamental asset. Although technically a closed saltwater lake, the Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water in the world and provides strategic access for maritime trade between several littoral states.
Important ports are located on this sea, including Aktau, Kazakhstan's main seaport, which provides connections to other Caspian countries. This port is vital for imports and exports, particularly for the transport of petroleum products, but also for general trade. Kazakhstan also makes use of its river system, notably with river ports along the Irtysh River that facilitate freight traffic to Russia and beyond. River transport helps open up certain regions and optimize the distribution of domestic resources.