Azerbaijan’s Baku shipyard secures Kazakhstan deal to build cargo vessels Photo

Baku Shipyard LLC has signed a contract with KTZ Express Shipping, part of Samruk-Kazyna, to construct two dry cargo vessels in line with international standards.

The agreement marks a step forward in maritime cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and comes amid growing cargo traffic along the Trans-Caspian, or Middle Corridor, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Executive Director of AZCON Holding, Shahin Babayev, highlighted the strategic importance of the deal.

“The project is of significant importance both in terms of demonstrating technological capabilities and developing Azerbaijan's shipbuilding industry. We are confident that this cooperation will create a solid foundation for new successful projects,” he said.

Nurlan Zhakupov, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna, said the initiative supports Kazakhstan’s broader transit ambitions.

“The formation of 'Kazakhstan Railways' NC's own fleet enhances the sustainability of the Trans-Caspian route, expands cargo transportation capabilities, and creates additional conditions for attracting international partners. The cooperation is particularly relevant at a time when cargo flow along the Middle Corridor is increasing. Against the backdrop of growing international orders, the project will not only accelerate the development of the local shipbuilding industry but will also serve to increase the plant's production capacity and strengthen its competitiveness,” he said.

According to Baku Shipyard Chairman Ruslan Talibov, construction of the vessels is expected to be completed within 28 months of the contract signing.

"The technical specifications of the ships to be built have already been determined. This order, being the 2nd international project of Baku Shipyard, confirms that the enterprise's position as a reliable partner in the global market has been further strengthened. According to the contract, the construction of 2 dry cargo container ships is envisaged. In accordance with the project, the overall length of each ship will be 140.97 meters, the width 16.9 meters, and the board height 6.80 meters,” he said.

Talibov added that the vessels will have a draft of 5.56 meters at sea and 3.60 meters in river conditions, with cargo capacity of about 9,900 tons at sea and 5,057 tons on rivers.

“The container capacity will be 537 TEU at sea and 433 TEU on the river. The ships will be equipped with two main engines, each with a power of 1,600 kW, and will be able to travel at a speed of approximately 11 knots. This order once again demonstrates the plant's high technical capabilities and international competitiveness,” he said.

The latest agreement brings the number of vessels built by Baku Shipyard under international orders to four.

By Sabina Mammadli