Unique Azerbaijani vessel begins operations at Shah Deniz

Diving Support Vessel Akademik Tofiq Ismayilov, owned by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), has commenced operations as part of the Shah Deniz project, Caliber.Az reports.

Mehman Mehdiyev, head of the press service at Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), confirmed that a contract had been signed between ASCO and project operator bp for the vessel’s deployment.

The ship will serve as a standby vessel and participate in remotely operated tasks, including inspection, maintenance, and repair of underwater infrastructure.

Prior to beginning work, the vessel underwent repairs at the Bibiheybat Shipyard and successfully passed inspection by the relevant classification society. Sea trials of its Dynamic Positioning (DP) system were completed, and its helicopter deck received certification.

In line with project requirements, the ship has been fitted with platforms for a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) and for the generators supporting this equipment.

The modifications were carried out by the Ship Repair Department of ASCO’s Zykh Shipbuilding and Repair Plant.

By Aghakazim Guliyev