From Antwerp to Almaty: overland plus Caspian ferry
The heavy transport from Antwerp to Almaty is one of the most demanding lanes in our portfolio. From the seaport of Antwerp, an important transhipment hub for project cargo from overseas, it runs along the Middle Corridor: through Germany and the Balkans into Turkey, on through Georgia to Azerbaijan and Baku, from there by Caspian ferry across the Caspian Sea to Aktau, and then overland straight across the Kazakh steppe to Almaty in the south-east of the country. The total distance is around 6,500 to 7,500 km – which clearly makes this a multi-week transport. Deliberately, no Russian transit is used.
Oversize Transports acts as an independent project forwarder and organises the lane as a closed chain: feasibility, routing, permits, escorting and customs from a single source.
Permits from Belgium to Kazakhstan
A transport from Antwerp starts with the Belgian special permit for “uitzonderlijk vervoer”. The German section of the route is applied for via VEMAGS under §29 StVO (German road traffic regulations) – this German rule applies only to the German section. It is followed by the national special permits of the Balkan countries, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan has its own axle load and route requirements; the long distances between Aktau and Almaty partly run over basic trunk roads whose bridges and load-bearing capacity must be checked in advance.
The Caspian ferry as the critical pacemaker
The Baku–Aktau ferry connection is not a scheduled service with a fixed timetable but sails on demand. Ferry windows, weather and the capacity for heavy items largely determine the schedule. We plan sufficient buffers and coordinate delivery at the port of Baku so that waiting times and transhipment effort are minimised. For excess weight and excess dimensions, ferry capacity must be confirmed bindingly in advance.
Customs: end-to-end TIR procedure
Given the large number of non-EU borders, the TIR carnet is the obvious choice, supplemented by T1 from the external EU border in the Balkans. The consignment thus remains under customs seal and checks concentrate on entry and exit rather than on every intermediate border. Import clearance takes place in Kazakhstan. This lane is part of our international heavy haulage services.
Equipment, securing and escorting
For the mountain sections in Eastern Anatolia and the Lesser Caucasus, as well as the rough infrastructure in Kazakhstan, the equipment selection is decisive: robust low-bed or modular axle systems with steered axle lines and sufficient ground clearance. Loads are secured by positive and friction locking in line with recognised engineering standards, with particular attention to lashing during the ferry crossing. Depending on the dimensions, a BF3/BF4 escort and, in individual countries, an official escort are deployed.
Kazakhstan-specific notes
Almaty lies close to the borders with Kyrgyzstan and China and is a central transhipment point for Central Asia. Country details and requirements can be found on our page on heavy haulage to Kazakhstan.
Feasibility and buffers on an ultra-long lane
Over around 6,500 to 7,500 km and with a sea passage, the feasibility study is particularly thorough. We assess weight, dimensions and centre of gravity, define the axle load concept and, in parallel, clarify ferry capacity in Baku for the specific item. Because the on-demand Caspian ferry sets the pace, we plan generous time buffers and synchronise the overland permits so that they do not expire if the crossing is delayed. This buffer logic is what distinguishes robust planning from a mere mileage estimate.
Oversize Transports as an independent project partner
As the brand of HSNK s.r.o. from Prague, Oversize Transports executes the Antwerp–Almaty lane as a closed project, independently and without network ties. The Middle Corridor with the Caspian ferry is our core competence for Central Asia, precisely because it opens up the route without Russian transit. Send us your project by phone or via the enquiry form; we check feasibility, ferry windows and the permit chain.
Typical cargo types on this lane
Consignments moving to Almaty along the Middle Corridor frequently include plant components for mining and energy, transformers, vessels, construction machinery and industrial modules. Such goods often involve excess weight, excess height or an unfavourable centre of gravity that shape the equipment concept and the ferry loading. We match trailer, axle lines and securing equipment precisely to each item and document condition and dimensions before departure, so that the cargo survives the land and sea legs undamaged and the permit and customs data remain consistent across the entire chain. Whether a single oversize machine or a complete plant delivery: we cost every Central Asia lane individually and accompany it from the first feasibility study to unloading in Almaty.