New Requirements Take Effect on October 17
Kazakhstan is strengthening counterterrorism protection for oil and gas infrastructure in its sector of the Caspian Sea. The changes were approved by Energy Ministerial Order No. 297-н/қ dated August 6, 2026.
The document supplements the regulations governing the protection of vulnerable oil and gas facilities. As of August 19, the order was not yet in force. The new requirements will take effect on October 17, 2026.
Locations Will Be Provided on Request
The rules apply to companies conducting subsoil operations in Kazakhstan’s sector of the Caspian Sea.
When requested by the maritime operational headquarters for combating terrorism, owners, operators and executives will have to provide a location near production facilities for its personnel, vehicles and equipment.
The order does not require permanent deployment at every offshore site. Forces will be positioned when the operational headquarters submits a request, and mobile maritime units may also be used.
Capacity for 10 Personnel and a Helipad
Each designated location must meet three principal requirements:
- capacity for at least 10 personnel;
- access to a helipad;
- a position no more than 23 kilometres from offshore production facilities.
These conditions are intended to provide rapid access to remote energy infrastructure and support a faster response to potential threats.
Subsoil Operators Will Cover the Costs
Companies will pay documented expenses directly associated with accommodating and supporting the operational headquarters near their facilities.
The parties will agree on the scope, value, payment procedure and possible reimbursement of the costs under Kazakhstan’s civil legislation. The order does not establish a fixed amount.
Security Requirements Expand Across Caspian Infrastructure
The obligations come as the Caspian Sea becomes increasingly important for Kazakhstan’s oil production and export logistics. The country is developing crude transportation, support-vessel capacity and port infrastructure, while AD Ports has confirmed its interest in expanding Kazakhstan’s Caspian projects.
Positioning operational forces near offshore facilities is expected to reduce response times. For energy companies, however, the measure also introduces additional organisational requirements and deployment-related costs.
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