Azerbaijan's "Murovdag" vessel enhances global shipping between Pacific and Atlantic Oceans PHOTO

The "Murovdag," the second vessel of the "Handysize" type acquired by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO) in October 2024, has successfully completed its first voyage, travelling to Colombia and Ecuador.

Mehman Mehdiyev, Head of the ASCO press service, shared with Caliber.Az that the vessel is now en route to Tocopilla, Chile, where it will load fertilizers and ammonium nitrate. After completing this cargo operation, the "Murovdag" will head toward the Brazilian port of Salvador.

The "Murovdag" is a dry cargo ship with a deadweight capacity of approximately 38,000 tons. It has a length of 179.9 meters, a width of 30 meters, a side height of 15 meters, and a draft of 10.47 meters. These dimensions make it ideal for accessing ports with shallower waters, providing versatility in international shipping routes. With a maximum speed of 15.7 knots, the vessel is optimized for both efficiency and reliability.

Like its predecessor, the "Khojaly," which ASCO commissioned in May 2024, the "Murovdag" is designed with modern safety systems and environmental considerations. Built in Japan in 2020, the vessel meets international environmental standards and is designed to be fuel-efficient, reducing operational costs and environmental impact.

ASCO acquired the "Murovdag" on October 12, 2024, through funding raised by the company's bond issuance. The acquisition is part of ASCO's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and strengthen Azerbaijan's position in global maritime trade, linking key trade routes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

By Tamilla Hasanova