Norway-based shipbuilding company Vard Holdings has been contracted to design and construct three module carrier vessels for Kazakhstan’s national maritime carrier Kazmortransflot (KMTF).

The vessels, to be built under a $70m deal, will be operated by KMTF through a consortium led by Blue Water Shipping. Featuring VARD 9 28 design, the vessels will measure 113m by 22m.

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Vard Holdings CEO and executive director Roy Reite said: “Our shipyard in Braila has unique experience in building vessels for Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea, and this new contract further underlines our long-term commitment to the region.”

"Our shipyard in Braila has unique experience in building vessels for Kazakhstan and the Caspian Sea."

The company currently operates nine shipbuilding facilities, including five in Norway, two in Romania, one each in Brazil and Vietnam.

It also provides offshore and specialised vessels, as well as developing power and automation systems, deck handling equipment, and vessel accommodation solutions.

Additionally, Vard provides design and engineering services to the global maritime industry.

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KMTF mainly is involved in the development of national marine trade fleet to facilitate marine transportation in Caspian Sea and open seas.

Fully owned by state-owned KazMunaiGas, KMTF currently transports oil with a fleet of eight tankers and has 13 vessels including five tug and eight barges to support maritime operations.

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