Introduction
Port dredging plays a vital role in the construction and maintenance of efficient maritime infrastructure. However, the process becomes far more complex when projects encounter hard soil or rock layers beneath the seabed. This was precisely the challenge faced by Jan De Nul during the expansion of Kuryk Port in Kazakhstan. Through innovation, expertise, and advanced equipment, the company transformed a difficult dredging scenario into a success story that boosts connectivity along the Caspian Sea and beyond.
Kuryk Port and the Middle Corridor
Situated on the eastern Caspian coast, Kuryk Port has emerged as a key strategic node within the Middle Corridor, a transport route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the Caucasus. The recently inaugurated Sarzha Terminal, a modern facility within the port, is now ready to manage growing volumes of general and dry cargo. This development aligns with regional efforts to diversify logistics routes and strengthen Kazakhstan’s maritime trade capabilities.
To make the terminal fully operational, however, comprehensive port dredging efforts were necessary to ensure that the access channels and turning basin could accommodate modern cargo vessels.
The Challenge: Dredging in Hard Soil Conditions
Unlike many dredging operations that work with silt or sand, the project at Kuryk Port faced extremely challenging subsurface conditions. These included compact soils and hard rock, which are notoriously difficult to remove using standard equipment. Such environments can damage dredging tools, delay timelines, and dramatically increase project complexity.
Given the critical importance of the port’s expansion to Kazakhstan’s trade objectives, a robust and tailored engineering solution was essential.
Jan De Nul’s Technical Response
To meet the demands of the project, Jan De Nul deployed the Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) Vesalius, a vessel specifically designed to tackle hard seabed conditions. Its powerful rotating cutter head was capable of fragmenting the tough material, which was then suctioned and transported through a pipeline system.
Jan De Nul’s specialized team worked diligently to extend and deepen the access channel and turning basin, allowing the new terminal to handle a broader range of cargo vessels. The operation showcased not only technical proficiency but also an ability to adapt in the face of environmental and geological challenges.
Stefan Muntoiu, Business Development Manager at Jan De Nul, remarked:
“Our team is proud to have contributed to this milestone project, enhancing Kazakhstan’s maritime logistics infrastructure and strengthening its strategic position in the Caspian region as a hub for Trans-Caspian Corridor transportation.”
Results and Regional Impact
Thanks to the successful port dredging campaign, Kuryk Port now features deeper and wider navigation paths. These improvements have reduced waiting times for vessels, streamlined cargo movement, and made the Sarzha Terminal fully accessible to larger ships.
The port’s enhanced capabilities have had a positive ripple effect across the region. It now serves as a central logistics hub in the Middle Corridor, helping to connect landlocked nations to global trade and reinforce Kazakhstan’s role in regional maritime development.
Future Projects and Expanding Infrastructure
Building on the success of Kuryk Port, Jan De Nul is already preparing for another ambitious venture: the development of a deepsea port in Anaklia, Georgia. This project will include the construction of breakwaters, access channels, and turning points, with the goal of handling up to 600,000 containers annually.
The experience gained at Kuryk—especially in handling hard soil dredging—will serve as a valuable blueprint for similar infrastructure initiatives in challenging coastal environments.
Conclusion
The transformation of Kuryk Port through advanced port dredging exemplifies how engineering innovation can overcome even the most difficult soil conditions. Jan De Nul’s use of specialized equipment and expert teams ensured the successful completion of a project vital to the region’s maritime logistics.
As the global supply chain continues to evolve, ports like Kuryk—strengthened through cutting-edge dredging and construction—will play an increasingly important role in facilitating efficient, sustainable, and resilient trade corridors.