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Akbar Novruz

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The Caspian Sea has always been Azerbaijan’s eternal companion, a shimmering mirror of its history and resilience. For centuries, our ships sailed its familiar waters, carrying the lifeblood of trade and the pride of a nation whose destiny was tied to this inland sea. Yet beyond the horizon lay oceans that seemed unreachable, vast blue worlds reserved for others. Azerbaijan, landlocked yet determined, dreamed of the day when its flag would rise not only on the Caspian waves but across the boundless expanses of the Pacific and Atlantic. That dream is now reality.

With the commissioning of modern Handysize cargo vessels, Azerbaijan has broken through the limits of geography and stepped boldly into the global maritime stage. The Khojaly vessel, launched in May 2024 in China, is the symbol of this transformation. With a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, and unrestricted navigation capability, it is designed to cross oceans and connect continents. This ship, and others to follow, mark Azerbaijan’s confident entry into world shipping.

Soon after entering service, Khojaly began voyages linking Asia to America and Latin America, transporting steel and industrial cargoes. These routes, once unimaginable for Azerbaijani shipping, became reality thanks to strategic vision and investment in global logistics. The most symbolic milestone came in November 2025, when Khojaly departed Port Kembla in Australia with 24,251 tons of steel bound for Los Angeles. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean under full international safety protocols, the vessel embodied Azerbaijan’s new role in global trade. For the first time, an Azerbaijani ship was not only crossing oceans but also connecting two of the world’s largest economies.

This achievement is more than a commercial success; it is a declaration that Azerbaijan, despite being landlocked, is now a participant in the vast network of maritime commerce. The Caspian remains our home, but the oceans are now our horizon.

Economically, the benefits are profound. Global shipping routes open new opportunities for Azerbaijani companies, diversify trade, and strengthen the nation’s role in international supply chains. By transporting steel, cement, and other industrial goods, Azerbaijan is not only serving foreign markets but also embedding itself in the infrastructure of global commerce. Each voyage enhances the country’s reputation as a reliable partner, builds trust with international clients, and generates valuable foreign currency inflows.

Strategically, Azerbaijan’s entry into ocean shipping elevates its geopolitical importance. The Caspian has always been a crossroads of energy and trade, but now Azerbaijan extends its reach far beyond regional boundaries. By connecting Asia, Australia, and America, Azerbaijani ships contribute to the resilience of global supply chains. This strengthens the country’s position in initiatives like the Middle Corridor, which seeks to link East and West through diversified transport routes.

Socially, this achievement inspires pride. For generations, Azerbaijanis have looked to the Caspian as their maritime horizon. Today, that horizon has expanded to the Pacific, the Atlantic, and beyond. The sight of an Azerbaijani vessel docking in Los Angeles or departing from Australia is more than a logistical success—it is a moment of national identity, a reminder that Azerbaijan’s spirit of exploration and enterprise knows no bounds.

The symbolism of naming the vessel Khojaly is also powerful. It ensures that every voyage carries with it the memory of resilience and the strength of national identity. As the ship sails across oceans, it tells the world that Azerbaijan remembers its past while building its future.

Looking forward, the acquisition of additional Handysize vessels ensures that this is not a one‑time achievement but the beginning of a sustained presence in global waters. With each new ship, Azerbaijan strengthens its fleet, expands its routes, and deepens its integration into the world economy. The vision is clear: Azerbaijan will not be limited by geography. It will transform its maritime tradition into a global force, proving that even a landlocked nation can become a player in ocean trade.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan’s Handysize fleet represents more than ships and cargo. It is a symbol of ambition, resilience, and national pride. From the Caspian to the Pacific, Azerbaijan is writing a new chapter in its history—one where its flag waves across oceans, its products reach distant markets, and its people take pride in a nation that refuses to be confined. The journey of Khojaly from Australia to the United States is not just a voyage of steel; it is a voyage of destiny. Azerbaijan has stepped onto the global maritime stage, and its future there is bright.