Azerbaijan’s “Khojaly” vessel connects New Zealand to China Voyage to the rainbow

The dry cargo Handysize type vessel "Khojaly," part of the fleet of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), is currently on a voyage from New Zealand to China.

Mehman Mehdiyev, head of ASCO's press service, told Caliber.Az that the vessel is transporting a cargo of 38,000 tons of wood.

Senior Assistant Captain Ragib Aghazada shared a striking photo from the journey, capturing the ship sailing toward a rainbow.

The carrying capacity of “Khojaly” vessel is 38,593 tons. This is approximately 8 times greater than the carrying capacity of existing ASCO bulk carriers. The length of the vessel is 180 meters, width 30 meters, side height 15 meters, draft 10.47 meters, maximum speed 15.7 meters. With its maximum lifting capacity, its waterline allows it easily enter many shallow water harbors.

The vessel was commissioned in China this May.

The first voyage of “Khojaly” vessel was to Portland port in United States of America. Thus, “Khojaly” became the first vessel to enter American waters under the flag of independent Azerbaijan.

Acquisition of “Khojaly” falls within the Strategic Development Program of the Shipping Company, which was adopted in line with the tasks and recommendations of President Ilham Aliyev and approved by ASCO's Supervisory Board. The program holds a special focus on expanding the geographic scope of national shipping beyond the Caspian Sea, increasing cargo transportation capacity in international waters and financing investment activities related to acquiring larger vessels for cargo transportation in foreign waters. 

By Vafa Guliyeva