Azerbaijan's maritime power grows as "Murovdag" vessel connects Uruguay to Congo PHOTO

The Azerbaijani cargo vessel Murovdag, operated by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), has successfully completed a transatlantic journey connecting South America with Africa.

The Handysize-class dry cargo ship transported 26,768 tonnes of grain from Uruguay to the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Mehman Mehdiyev, head of ASCO’s press service, quoted by Caliber.Az.

The Murovdag is a modern dry cargo ship with a deadweight of approximately 38,000 tons. Measuring 179.9 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and with a side height of 15 meters and a draft of 10.47 meters, the vessel is well-suited for operations in ports with limited water depth, giving it notable flexibility for international routes. With a top speed of 15.7 knots, the vessel is engineered for both performance and fuel efficiency.

Built in Japan in 2020, the Murovdag complies with international environmental standards and incorporates advanced safety and eco-friendly technologies. Its design echoes that of ASCO’s earlier acquisition, the Khojaly vessel, which entered service in May 2024 and is similarly geared toward reducing emissions and improving fuel economy.

ASCO officially added the Murovdag to its fleet on October 12, 2024, with financing secured through a company-issued bond. The purchase aligns with ASCO’s broader strategy to modernise its fleet and enhance Azerbaijan’s role in global maritime logistics by linking key commercial corridors between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

By Tamilla Hasanova