en.Wedoany.com Reported - Kazakhstan is continuing to advance a strategic infrastructure project—the laying of a fiber-optic communication network along the Caspian Sea seabed. The project is planned to be put into operation by the end of 2026.
According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the actual offshore phase of cable transportation and loading is currently underway.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan has taken measures to promptly resolve regulatory, organizational, and customs issues related to the project's implementation. In particular, the approved list of land plots for the Caspian Sea submarine fiber-optic communication network has provided a legal basis for equipment export, avoiding administrative delays.
During the preparatory phase, video surveys and marine engineering surveys were completed in 2025, and the optimal route bypassing anchorages and military training areas was determined. In addition, an environmental permit was obtained from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management of Mangystau Region.
A specially armored optical cable equipped with ROPA-type optical amplifiers was manufactured in China and successfully passed factory testing. Subsequently, the project entered the active phase of offshore operations.
Earlier, the optical cable and three large transport baskets with a total weight of 600 tons, delivered from China to the Kuryk port, were loaded onto a specialized logistics vessel and transported to Baku. Currently, all these transport baskets have been fully emptied, and all digital cables have been directly loaded into the vessel's dedicated cable holds. The vessel then departed from Baku port and began laying the network toward the Aktau port.
To implement the project, a cable-laying vessel equipped with an advanced dynamic positioning system and a carrying capacity of over 20,000 tons was deployed. A crew of 70 people works on board, including technical supervision experts and a representative of Kazakhtelecom.
The project is being implemented by CaspiLink B.V. (formerly Caspinet B.V.), a joint venture established by Kazakhtelecom JSC and Azertelecom International LLP.
It is worth noting that a dedicated connection room has been set up on the vessel's deck to respond to emergencies or interruptions. Currently, both ends of the cable—the Kazakh and Azerbaijani sections—are located in this connection room. All fiber-optic and optical systems have been tested.
Under favorable weather conditions, the direct laying of the submarine cable is expected to be completed within 15–20 days. The completion date for all technical work, as well as commissioning and maintenance facilities, is set for the end of 2026.
