EU removes sanctions on five Azerbaijani vessels PHOTO

According to the decision of the Council of the European Union dated April 23, 2026, the sanctions imposed on the vessel “Zagatala”, owned by ASCO, as well as the vessels “Shusha”, “Karabakh”, “Khankendi” and “Zangazur”, owned by the joint venture of ASCO and SOCAR, have been lifted.

As reported to Caliber.Az by Mehman Mehdiyev, Head of the Press Service of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), the mentioned vessels have been removed from the European Union sanctions list in accordance with the decision.

The positive resolution of the issue was made possible by the coordinated diplomatic and legal efforts of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ASCO, and SOCAR.

Notably, the vessels in question had been transferred to third parties under long-term leases pursuant to charter agreements, while their operations were carried out in full compliance with international regulations, including sanctions requirements.

The decision is regarded as a result of an objective approach based on international law norms, as well as constructive dialogue.

ASCO, as a state company operating in the field of international shipping, will continue its activities in strict compliance with national legislation, international law norms, and international sanctions regimes.

Timur Rzayev