Kazakhstan and Türkiye are moving closer to the practical implementation of a major offshore oil project in the Caspian Sea. Recent talks in Astana signal that bilateral energy cooperation is entering a more concrete and results-oriented phase, DKNews.kz reports.
From dialogue to concrete steps
Representatives of Kazakhstan’s national oil and gas company and Türkiye’s state-owned petroleum operator met in Astana to discuss the future of joint projects. Unlike previous consultations, the latest discussions focused on specific technical and economic parameters rather than general cooperation frameworks.
The key topic on the agenda was the offshore Big Zhambyl geological exploration project in the northern Caspian Sea.
What is the Big Zhambyl project
Big Zhambyl is considered one of the most promising offshore exploration blocks in the northern Caspian. According to preliminary plans, the project involves drilling an exploratory well with a target depth of up to 4,500 meters.
Such depth highlights both the technical complexity of the project and its potential scale. Offshore drilling in the Caspian requires advanced technology, strong financial capacity, and extensive experience in challenging marine environments.
Why Türkiye is interested
Türkiye’s interest in Big Zhambyl is based on detailed technical work rather than political declarations. Earlier, Turkish specialists participated in a series of technical sessions and were granted access to a data room containing comprehensive geological and seismic information.
This allowed them to compare several prospective assets and assess their commercial viability. As a result, Big Zhambyl was selected as the priority offshore project for further consideration.
Technical and economic evaluation underway
Following the initial analysis, Turkish partners are now conducting a detailed technical and economic evaluation of the Big Zhambyl block. This stage will determine whether the project can move from assessment to active exploration and drilling.
Such evaluations are critical for offshore projects, as they define investment volumes, technological requirements, and potential risks.
Strategic importance for Kazakhstan
For Kazakhstan, the northern Caspian shelf remains a strategically important region with significant hydrocarbon potential. At the same time, offshore development requires international expertise and partnerships.
Cooperation with experienced foreign operators allows Kazakhstan to accelerate exploration while sharing technological and financial risks.
What comes next
The future of the Big Zhambyl project will depend on the results of the ongoing evaluation. If the findings are positive, the project could move into the drilling phase and eventually become one of the most significant joint offshore oil ventures between Kazakhstan and Türkiye.
For now, the discussions go beyond routine meetings. They point to a gradual but clear transition from interest to real decision-making, with the Caspian Sea once again emerging as a key arena for regional energy cooperation.
