/IRBIS, Sept 2, 01/ - CNA informs, with the reference to the head of Mangistau region, Lyazzat Kiinov, that Kazakhstan will develop three non- freezing sea ports at the Caspian - Aktau, Bautino, Kuryk simultaneously.

It is said that due to the development of oil fields at the Caspian shelf there is a need for more cargo shipments, hence two more sea ports has to be built. For this purpose there are two natural gulfs, one Bautino near Fort- Shevchenko and Kuryk, 76 km south-east of Aktau.

Sea operations support base of OKIOC is located at Bautino now and sea transportation is carried out there, while Kuryk is not developed yet, is said.

Aktau is said to remain as the main sea port of the country, handling dry and bulk cargo, and transport some oil, whereas Bautino will be used mostly for oil and Kuryk for dry cargo and a sea base for the Kazakhstani marines at the Caspian.

The head of Mangistau region plans to raise funds for this program through external investors.