A unique logistics operation has officially commenced in Atyrau today as the largest ethylene fractionator, manufactured by the local company AtyrauNefteMash, begins its journey to the construction site of the Silleno polyethylene plant.
The ethylene fractionator is the heart of the ethylene production unit, where ethylene, the primary feedstock for polyethylene production, is separated and purified. The equipment is truly impressive in scale: it stands 101.8 metres tall (higher than a 30-storey building), measures 7.5 metres in diameter, and weighs approximately 1,500 tonnes.
The oversized equipment is being transported using a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT), which evenly distributes the load across multiple axle lines. This configuration keeps axle loads within permissible limits and prevents damage to the road infrastructure.
The transportation operation will be carried out during daylight hours over the course of approximately one week at a speed that ensures safe movement (approximately 2–4 km/h). The route from the manufacturing facility to the construction site within the National Industrial Petrochemical Technopark Special Economic Zone (SEZ) has been thoroughly coordinated with the relevant authorities. Temporary road closures, reinforcement of selected road structures, and designated detours have been arranged along the route to ensure the safe and uninterrupted passage of the oversized cargo.
Manufacturing equipment of this scale and technical complexity at a Kazakhstani enterprise represents an important milestone in strengthening local industrial capabilities. The project demonstrates the growing expertise of domestic manufacturers, creates new opportunities for the national industry and expands the participation of Kazakhstani companies in the implementation of the country’s largest petrochemical projects.
