Kazakhstan envoy raises CPC tanker security with UN maritime body

September 5, 2026 at 06:01 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan's ambassador to the UK, Alibek Bakayev, met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss security for tankers carrying Kazakh oil. The talks focused on the Black Sea after a Ukrainian drone attack damaged the support vessel Nefrit near Sochi. Bakayev stressed the need for safe shipping routes vital to Kazakhstan's trade and global energy security.

Key Facts

More than 80% of Kazakhstan's oil exports pass through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC).
A Ukrainian naval drone attacked the support vessel Nefrit near Sochi, threatening repairs at a CPC terminal.
Kazakhstan's 2026 oil production forecast was cut from 98 million to 96 million tonnes after July attacks on CPC infrastructure.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez backed Kazakhstan's position and pledged support for safe navigation and protection of civilian vessels.

IMO Meeting

Ambassador Alibek Bakayev met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to discuss security for commercial vessels and tankers carrying Kazakh oil. The meeting paid special attention to the situation in the Black Sea. Bakayev stressed the importance of ensuring safe conditions for shipping and stability of maritime routes vital to Kazakhstan's foreign trade and international energy security. Dominguez supported Kazakhstan's position and said the IMO would consistently advocate for safe navigation and protection of civilian vessels.

CPC Infrastructure

The CPC marine terminal operates through three offshore mooring points, with two normally in use and one as reserve. One mooring point was damaged in November 2025 and replaced in early 2026. The Energy Ministry expected all three loading points to return to operation by September 2026. The Nefrit was servicing marine infrastructure and had almost completed work on one CPC mooring point before the attack. Oil and gas analyst Nurlan Zhumagulov said the damage to Nefrit could directly affect terminal operations because no similar support vessel is available in the Black Sea.

Caspian Logistics

The IMO meeting also addressed the role of the Caspian Sea in international logistics. The sides discussed development of the Trans-Caspian route, growth of traffic across the Caspian, and modernization of the Aktau and Kuryk ports. The IMO stated readiness to continue assisting Kazakhstan on shipping safety and maritime infrastructure development.