Azerbaijani dry cargo ship refit in Istanbul for long-haul operations photo

The Azerbaijani dry cargo vessel Gafur Mammadov has completed a major overhaul, preparing it for continued operations on long-distance routes beyond the Caspian Sea.

The vessel, owned by ASCO, which is part of AZCON Holding, has been operating outside the Caspian basin since 2017.

Mehman Mehdiyev, head of the press service of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), told Caliber.Az that the overhaul was carried out at the Torlak shipyard in Istanbul’s Tuzla district. The shipyard completed the full scope of work required to ensure the vessel’s reliable operation for the next five years.

As part of the overhaul, the ship’s main engines underwent comprehensive repairs, while two auxiliary diesel generators were replaced with new, more fuel-efficient units selected to match the vessel’s actual electricity demand.

In addition, parts of the vessel’s pipeline systems were renewed. The propeller and rudder complex was dismantled, repaired under factory conditions, and then reinstalled. The sewage and tank systems were also upgraded. In compliance with Annexe VI of the MARPOL Convention, the necessary modifications were made to the vessel’s fuel system. To improve living conditions for the crew, repair work was carried out in the mess hall and cabins.

At the same time, extensive work was performed on the underwater section of the hull, including the replacement of worn components, cleaning, and repainting. Cleaning and painting were also carried out in the cargo holds.

The dry cargo ship Gafur Mammadov has a deadweight capacity of 5,500 tons. It is 108 meters long and 16.5 meters wide.

By Tamilla Hasanova