Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan begin laying Caspian Sea fiber-optic cable, completion by end 2026
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Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan started laying a fiber-optic cable along the Caspian Sea bed, opening a new data route between Central Asia and international digital hubs. The marine phase follows engineering surveys and environmental approvals, with the cable manufactured in China and delivered via Kuryk port to Baku. Full commissioning of the trans-Caspian line is scheduled for the end of 2026.
The Cable and Joint Venture
The cable was produced in China and equipped with ROPA optical amplifiers. It was transported to Kazakhstan's Kuryk port, then to Baku, where three baskets weighing approximately 600 tons were loaded onto a cable-laying vessel. The project is executed by CaspiLink B.V., a joint venture of Kazakhtelecom from Kazakhstan and Azertelecom Int. from Azerbaijan. The line aims to boost digital reliability between the two countries and create an alternative Eurasian data route.
Vessel and Laying Operations
A specialized vessel with a displacement of over 20,000 tons and a dynamic positioning system departed Baku toward Aktau. It carries about 70 crew members and project specialists, including representatives from Kazakhtelecom and technical supervisors, according to Inbusiness.kz. The ship features a Jointing Room for emergency cable splicing, and all optical fibers underwent preliminary testing. Under favorable weather, direct laying is expected to take 15–20 days.
Project Background
In 2025, full preparation was completed, including marine surveys and the establishment of a safe route that bypasses military areas, Kursiv.kz reported. The trans-Caspian line is a strategic infrastructure project for Kazakhstan, aimed at diversifying digital transit corridors beyond traditional Russian and Chinese routes. Full technological and commissioning works are scheduled for the end of 2026.
What's Next
The cable-laying vessel is currently en route, with completion of the laying phase expected within three weeks. However, the full activation of the line by the end of 2026 may face delays depending on weather conditions and final testing outcomes.
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Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan begin laying Caspian Sea fiber-optic cable, completion by end 2026
