ASTANA — AtyrauNefteMash, a leading Kazakhstan oil and gas equipment manufacturer, received certification from the American Petroleum Institute (API) on February 26, supported by the North Caspian Project (NCOC) operator. According to Khabar TV, this certification opens access to global markets across more than 100 countries.
NCOC Managing Director Giancarlo Ruiu praised the contributions of Kazakh partners at the certification event, reaffirming NCOC’s commitment to supporting local manufacturers. “This certification is important, as oil and gas extraction in harsh climatic and industrial conditions requires rigorous safety and environmental standards,” said Yerlan Mukai, Deputy Managing Director of NCOC. He emphasized the certification’s role, noting, “The API 650 monogram is one of the key certifications ensuring compliance.” NCOC has placed orders worth $18 billion with Kazakh suppliers and service companies.
AtyrauNefteMash has significantly contributed to major national projects, including the construction of Kazakhstan’s first petrochemical complex and the modernization of the Atyrau Oil Refinery. General Director of AtyrauNefteMash, Saltanat Adilova, highlighted the complexity of contracts awarded to the company over the years, stating, “The new API certification reinforces the quality of our products.” NCOC supports over 60% of domestic producers of goods and services, helping 13 major Kazakh enterprises expand their production capabilities through its local content development program.
Meanwhile, Nathan Longhurst, 25, from the U.S., has made headlines by successfully climbing New Zealand’s 100 greatest peaks within one season. He completed this remarkable task on February 28, summiting Mount Sefton at 3,151 meters and The Footstool at 2,764 meters. Longhurst is only the second person ever to complete this extraordinary challenge, and the first to do so in just one season. His predecessor, Don French, took 30 years to achieve the same goal.
Longhurst utilized innovative methods throughout his climbs, often paragliding from the summits. For his final ascent, he paraglided from Mount Sefton to The Footstool, where he completed his climb. “He doesn’t claim to have climbed those peaks in the traditional sense,” said Dan Cervelli, Longhurst’s social media manager, highlighting the uniqueness of this achievement. Upon landing near Hooker Valley, where onlookers awaited, Longhurst was greeted by enthusiastic supporters.
Longhurst has documented his climbing adventures on Instagram, showcasing his daring feats and experiences to his followers. He divides his time between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Mammoth Lakes, California, and has expressed satisfaction with completing such an ambitious project.
On the sports front, Brahim Díaz has reached his own significant career milestone by playing his 100th match for Real Madrid recently during the Copa del Rey game against Real Sociedad. “It’s an honor to be at the best club in the world and play 100 matches with this shirt. It’s pride for me and my loved ones,” he stated, reflecting on his career at the famed club. “This club is everything. Real Madrid is greatness, and it shows every time you step onto the pitch.”
Díaz provided insight on Real Madrid's recent match performance, noting, “Playing at Reale Arena is always tough, but we played well and won. It wasn’t easy, but the team did great.” The player caught moments of levity with his countryman Nayef Aguerd before the match, as they were gifted artworks celebrating their Moroccan heritage.
With Real Madrid's impressive track record currently, including recently knocking out Manchester City from the Champions League, Díaz expressed optimism for continued success. “We’re in great form right now. We need to keep this going. This is the best club because we always perform when it matters,” he affirmed. Diaz hopes to contribute even more as Real Madrid strives to claim every title within reach.
These remarkable milestones of AtyrauNefteMash, Nathan Longhurst, and Brahim Díaz highlight significant achievements across diverse fields, showcasing excellence, innovation, and personal dedication to goals. Whether breaking records, summiting mountains, or marking career milestones, each story serves as inspiration, reflecting the lengths individuals and organizations go to overcome challenges and achieve greatness.