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49% of the construction work on ASCO’s third Ro-Pax type ferry has been completed
The construction of ASCO’s third Ro-PAX type ferry, which plays an important role in freight transportation along the Middle Corridor in the East-West and return directions, is ongoing.
This is the third ferry of its type, being built as part of ASCO’s strategic development plan, developed in accordance with the directives of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. The construction of the vessel’s hull is 88 percent complete, engineering works are 97 percent complete, and procurement and supply processes are 82 percent complete. The main engines, fire suppression and freshwater systems, cargo lift equipment, pumps, and electrical panels have already been installed. Overall, 49 percent of the total project work has been completed. The ferry is scheduled to be delivered in the first quarter of next year.
The design of the new ship is identical to the "Azerbaijan" and "Zarifa Aliyeva" ferries, which were added to ASCO's fleet in 2021 and 2022.
The new ferry will have a deadweight capacity of 5,740 tons, a maximum speed of 14 knots, a length of 154.5 meters, a width of 17.7 meters, and a hull height of 7.5 meters. It will be capable of simultaneously carrying 100 passengers, 56 tank wagons, or 50 trucks/TIR.
The ferry, along with other ASCO vessels, will make a significant contribution to maintaining the company’s freight transport capacity, realizing the country’s transit potential, and enhancing transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan.
Prior to the construction of Ro-PAX type ferries in Azerbaijan, such vessels were built abroad and imported into the country. Their dimensions were reduced to pass through the Volga-Don Canal, which limited cargo capacity. Now, such vessels are being built at the Baku Shipyard, considering all modern requirements for the transportation of wagons, trucks/TIR, and passengers on the Caspian Sea.