Construction of the third RoPax ferry, commissioned by ASCO, a company managed by AZCON Holding, continues at the Baku Shipyard. The project is proceeding strictly according to the approved schedule and has entered its final stages. The main hull sections have been fully assembled, and work is currently underway on installing piping systems, electrical cables, ventilation systems, and mechanical equipment. Insulation of the living quarters and the construction of the cabin block are also underway.
The project incorporates a number of technical innovations compared to previously built vessels of this type. These include the installation of a three-ton service crane, additional compressed air tanks, and a power supply system for refrigerated containers. The vessel will also be equipped with a hazardous gas detection system in the lower cargo hold, an additional foam fire monitor, an automated rail car access system, and a braking system on the cargo platform. The main engine room includes an additional cooling system, two service hatches, and two service cranes. Several design optimizations were also made: a passenger elevator was eliminated, the aft auxiliary steering gear was removed, and the forward power was increased from 350 to 545 kW.
The new vessel’s main characteristics will be similar to the existing ferries “Azerbaijan” and “Zarifa Aliyeva.” Its maximum speed will be 14 knots, its length will be 154.5 meters, its width will be 17.7 meters, and its hull height will be 7.5 meters. The ferry will be able to carry up to 100 passengers and accommodate either 56 railway tank cars or up to 50 trucks. ASCO notes that the vessel’s commissioning will be an important step in the modernization of the company’s fleet and will contribute to the growth of Azerbaijan’s transit potential. The new RoPax, like other ASCO vessels, is planned to be used on Caspian Sea routes as part of the development of the Middle Corridor.