New Azerbaijani ship "Khojaly" makes its first journey into the Indian Ocean PHOTO

The "Khojaly," a Handysize vessel owned by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), has entered the Indian Ocean for the first time since its operational launch.

Mehman Mehdiyev, the head of the press service for ASCO, told Caliber.Az the ship loaded 37,000 tons of calcined soda at the Port of Portland in the United States in March. It then embarked on its journey through the Pacific Ocean, headed for the Port of Jakarta, Indonesia.

After partially unloading the cargo in Jakarta, the "Khojaly" passed through the strategic Malacca Strait, located between Indonesia and Malaysia, and continued its voyage towards the Indian Ocean.

Currently, the vessel is en route to India, where its next stops include the Port of Kattupalli, followed by the Port of Kandla, where further unloading is planned.

The "Khojaly" was officially commissioned in May 2024 as part of ASCO's broader strategy to expand its operational reach and enhance its cargo transportation capacity beyond the Caspian Sea.

The vessel has a deadweight of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, a width of 30 meters, and a draft of 10.47 meters. Its maximum speed is 15.7 knots.

By Tamilla Hasanova