Azerbaijan’s first tanker "Lachin" marks six years among world’s top 50 vessels PHOTO

Azerbaijan marks six years since the commissioning of its first domestically built tanker, Lachin, hailed by the United Kingdom as one of the best ships in the world.

According to Mehman Mehdiyev, head of the press service at Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), the vessel was constructed at the Baku Shipyard, Caliber.Az reports.

Its handover ceremony took place on December 13, 2019, attended by President Ilham Aliyev.

Since entering service, Lachin has completed 94 voyages, transporting a total of 464,093 tonnes of oil and petroleum products. The tanker has a carrying capacity of 9,190 tonnes, measures 141 metres in length and 16.9 metres in width, and can reach speeds of up to 10 knots.

In 2019, the prestigious Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) in the UK recognised Lachin as one of the world’s top 50 ships.

The vessel, along with other ships in ASCO’s current fleet, plays a crucial role in cargo transportation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s position in regional trade and maritime logistics.

By Aghakazim Guliyev