By: AGBI

Abu Dhabi-listed AD Ports Group and KTZ Express, the freight arm of Kazakhstan Railways, have commenced operations on a new cargo route that will reduce transit time between China and Europe.

The route aims to increase the capacity of the Middle Corridor, linking consumers and manufacturers in Asia to Europe.

The new service, operated by GulfLink, opens up expanded trade access through Central Asia and beyond, including key routes through Pakistan, Turkey, the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

GulfLink is 51 percent owned by AD Ports and 49 percent by KTZ Express.

Kazakhstan relies heavily on its 16,000km rail network, which carries around 70 percent of the country’s total freight. 

As part of its regional expansion, AD Ports has committed $775 million to build the Middle Corridor. 

The company has also increased its shipping footprint in the Black and Caspian Seas through a partnership with KazMorTransFlot, Kazakhstan’s state-owned national maritime carrier. It is preparing to launch a logistics and agri-trading hub in Uzbekistan.

AD Ports, together with local partners, is also investing in building a grain terminal and plans to develop a multipurpose terminal at Kuryk Port. 

The Central Asian route is linked to the UAE company’s ports and maritime assets in Turkey and Pakistan.