GAC expands into Kazakhstan

The increasing importance of Central Asia in the world oil and gas business has prompted the establishment of the GAC's latest new company, in Kazakhstan. Its initial goal was to secure logistics business conducted with GAC China which has seen significant growth over the past 2-3 years. That business consists primarily of movements from China to Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, much of which is pipes and casings for the booming local oil and gas sector.

Focus on energy

General Manager Matthew Towse, a business veteran of the region, says setting up an operation in the country was a logical step and in line with the Group's focus on the energy sector.

"Central Asia and the Caspian Sea are now essential bases to cover if you're serious about oil and gas," he adds. "Kazakhstan has some of the world's largest oil reserves, including the massive Kashagan field in the North Caspian Sea, the largest oil find in the last 30 years. Anticipated future demand for both logistics and marine services in the area is huge."

Marine growth

Expansion of GAC's marine operations into Kazakh waters is a natural progression of the company's activities off Turkmenistan. Experience gained in Turkmenistan has proved valuable in setting up the new marine operation in Kazakhstan.

The Group's partnership with energy major Chevron has been pivotal, as it is the major shareholder in the Tengiz onshore field, currently the country's biggest oil producer. Further, the handling of exports of Chevron's Kazakh oil has been a driving force in GAC's increased presence and activities in Ukraine.

Plans are in the pipeline for a second office, in Aktau, on West Kazakhstan's Caspian coast, the operational centre of the country's oil & gas and marine industries.