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Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries

16 March 2017 14:13 (UTC+04:00)
Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries

By Rashid Shirinov

Baku Shipyard has launched construction of two new unique Ro-Pax ferries, Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Shahin Mustafayev said on March 16.

The cutting of first steel sheets was held at the shipyard on the same day.

“The vessel construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2018,” the minister said, adding that 30 percent of the construction work will be carried out at the expense of the government.

Mustafayev added that these vessels will serve the development of Azerbaijan's economy and improve its competitiveness.

“As we know, Azerbaijan is completing the construction of the most modern port in the Caspian basin. The first phase of construction of the Port of Baku has already been completed. Along with this, construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is being completed,” the minister said, noting that Azerbaijan has the strongest potential in the Caspian sea and an extensive infrastructure, which will further increase thanks to the expansion of the fleet of vessels.

“I also want to mention the North-South Transport Corridor, for which Azerbaijan is also taking necessary measures and, in general, plays an important role in the formation of this corridor,” said Mustafayev.

He added that one of the directions of the West-East transport corridor is the Caspian Sea, and Azerbaijan has the strongest cargo fleet here.

The minister voiced belief that construction of the ferries will play an important role in increasing the transport capacity of Azerbaijan and will have a positive impact on economic development in general.

A contract worth 132 million manats ($77 million) for construction of the ferries was signed in October 2016. The ferries will be built on the order of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company. The project’s designer is Ukraine’s Marine Engineering Bureau.

Ferries are designed for freight and passenger traffic. The new vessels of 5540-ton deadweight will be able to carry up to 56 tanks, 46 gondola cars, 44 freight cars, 50 trucks, and will have 100 passengers seats.

Currently, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company has 13 ferries, two of which are Ro-Ro type ferries. Seven of those ferries can carry up to 28 cars, while other six ferries can carry 52-54 cars.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries - Gallery Image
Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries - Gallery Image
Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries - Gallery Image
Baku Shipyard launches construction of unique Ro-Pax ferries - Gallery Image
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