Azerbaijan Advances New Ro-Pax Ferry Construction
The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) is making significant progress on a new Ro-Pax ferry, crucial for enhancing cargo transportation across the Middle Corridor. This development aligns with Azerbaijan’s strategic trade goals and is expected to bolster connections between East and West. The ferry is part of ASCO’s broader initiative to improve its fleet and operational capacity.
Progress and Specifications of the New Ferry
The construction of the new Ro-Pax ferry at the Baku Shipbuilding Plant is currently 88 percent complete. Engineering work stands at 97 percent, while procurement tasks are 82 percent finished. ASCO announced that the ferry’s main engines, firefighting systems, freshwater systems, cargo lift equipment, pumps, and electrical panels have already been installed. Overall, 49 percent of the project is completed, with the ferry expected to be operational by the first quarter of the upcoming year.
This new vessel will mirror the design of the ‘Azerbaijan’ and ‘Zarifa Aliyeva’ ferries, which joined ASCO’s fleet in 2021 and 2022. It will have a deadweight capacity of 5,740 tons, a length of 154.5 meters, a width of 17.7 meters, and a hull height of 7.5 meters. The ferry will travel at a speed of 14 knots and can transport 100 passengers, 56 tank wagons, or 50 cargo vehicles/TIRs simultaneously.
The introduction of this Ro-Pax ferry marks a significant shift in Azerbaijan’s maritime capabilities. Previously, similar vessels were built abroad and imported, often with reduced specifications to navigate the Volga-Don Canal. This limited their cargo capacity. Now, with local construction at the Baku Shipbuilding Plant, Azerbaijan can meet its shipping needs more effectively, particularly for transporting wagons, vehicles, and passengers across the Caspian Sea. This advancement is expected to enhance Azerbaijan’s transit capacity and strengthen its position in regional trade.