Rhenus strengthens its Central Asia presence
The Rhenus Group announces the acquisition of its first rail-connected terminal in the Almaty region, Kazakhstan, strengthening its inland logistics presence along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR).
The investment marks a strategic step in the Rhenus Group’s long-term approach to developing reliable, integrated logistics infrastructure across Central Asia and broadening its global offering.
Located at the Bayserke railway station near Almaty, the terminal increases regional container-handling capacity. Operating under the name QAZContargo Almaty Ltd., the facility offers direct access to national and international rail routes and supports growing import, export and transit volumes between China, Europe and across Central Asia. As of today, the operations at the site will be carried out by the Contargo Group, a long-standing partner with extensive experience in international container logistics.
The QAZContargo terminal focuses on container depot services and block train shipments. It provides bonded storage capacity for import cargo, an open bonded yard for container handling, and rail-based transshipment solutions. The facility is also equipped to transfer bulk cargo from rail wagons into containers, enabling efficient multimodal transport within the region and along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Rhenus has been active in Kazakhstan since 1996, providing a broad portfolio of freight forwarding and logistics services through its locations in Almaty, Astana and Karaganda. The integration of the new rail-connected terminal further strengthens these activities by complementing existing forwarding services with enhanced multimodal connectivity. By linking freight forwarding operations with dedicated rail-based terminal infrastructure, Rhenus supports more efficient supply chains and reinforces Kazakhstan’s role as a key logistics gateway in Eurasian trade. With the addition of the Almaty terminal, Rhenus now operates its second container terminal in Central Asia, following the establishment of the joint rail-connected terminal with Uzbek Railways in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in 2025.
As supply chains become increasingly regionalised and customers seek greater routing flexibility across Eurasia, reliable inland capacity and multimodal alternatives are gaining strategic importance. Andreas Stöckli, member of the Rhenus Group management board, says: “With the addition of the QAZContargo terminal, we are responding directly to these market developments along the Trans-Caspian Corridor and strengthening our ability to offer resilient, intermodal solutions. This investment allows us to support the next phase of supply chain transformation from 2026 onwards and clearly demonstrates our long-term commitment to Central Asia and the sustainable development of logistics infrastructure in the region.”
