Kazakhstan to mull building of oil pipeline across Caspian Sea floor - Energy Ministry

ASTANA. April 18 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan will explore options for building an oil pipeline across the Caspian Sea floor and from Atyrau to Kuryk, the Kazakh Energy Ministry said.

"In the medium term, the possibility of constructing an oil pipeline from Atyrau to Kuryk is being considered," the ministry said in reply to questions from journalists.

"The possibility of constructing an oil pipeline across the Caspian Sea floor will also be studied," it said.

Kazakhstan might also possibly increase trans-Caspian oil shipments to 7 million tonnes a year, which is consistent with the Aktau port's capacity, it said.

"This would require about ten new tankers with a deadweight of 12,000 tonnes to ensure safe shipments," it said.