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President Ilham Aliyev attended an inauguration ceremony for the "Zarifa Aliyeva" Ro-Pax ferry boat, which was built at Baku Shipyard on the order of the Azerbaijan Caspian Sea Shipping Closed Joint-Stock Company (ASCO), Azertag has reported.

ASCO Chairman Rauf Valiyev informed the president about the ferry boat. He underlined that the ferry's design is similar to that of the Ro-Pax-type "Azerbaijan" ferry, which was commissioned in early 2021.

A ferry with a 30-person crew can transport 100 people, 56 tank wagons, or 50 vehicles at the same time. Based on these indicators, the "Azerbaijan" and "Zarifa Aliyeva" ferries outperform other Caspian region ferries.

The ship has a cargo elevator, a helicopter pad, a ship stability system in undulating weather, and traction locomotives, all of which are equipped with cutting-edge technology from the world's leading manufacturers.

It was recalled that the closure of the Suez Canal in March 2021 brought the topic of transportation corridor diversification to the forefront of the world agenda.

This topic has become more pertinent in light of the present global instability. The East-West-Trans-Caspian route is particularly appealing in this regard, as Azerbaijan is also modernizing its infrastructure in response to new challenges.

Azerbaijani seafarers chose the name "Zarifa Aliyeva" as a tribute to the memory of distinguished scientist and doctor, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Honored Scientist, Academician Zarifa Aliyeva.

Aliyeva's scientific studies, achievements, and humanitarian attitude are reflected in a section of the ship, explaining, in a summary, her life and activities of self-sacrifice.

In the section, there are photos, videos, and literature about Zarifa Aliyeva, a full member of the National Academy of Sciences and the first female recipient of the M. I. Averbakh Prize.

After familiarizing himself with the ship, President Aliyev pressed the button to launch the ship.

The "Zarifa Aliyeva" ferry will play a key role in unleashing the country's transit potential, as it will operate alongside other ASCO boats, becoming an important link in the freight transportation chain on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

ASCO's fleet, currently, consists of 13 ferries, two Ro-Ro ships, and one Ro-Pax ship. The company is now the only ferry operator in Caspian water that transports railway carriages by sea. The fleet serves as a Caspian Sea bridge for both wagons and trucks, and any cargo users on the Trans-Caspian route can make use of this service.

The commissioning of the Baku Shipyard in 2013, which has significant potential and is regarded one of the most advanced firms in the region, was one of Azerbaijan's major successes in the shipping sector.

With the inauguration of this factory, Azerbaijan is no longer reliant on imports for shipbuilding. The installation of such a factory has enabled the country to produce all sorts of ships on the basis of unique designs and innovative concepts, taking into consideration the Caspian Sea's distinctive characteristics as well as the technical capabilities of the basin's existing port infrastructure.

Ro-Pax vessels have similar characteristics. Azerbaijan’s ability to produce ships and ferries to the highest standards is a measure of its economic, industrial, and technical strength. The facility is currently constructing two new tankers for the ASCO fleet.

As part of the ASCO Strategic Development Plan announced in 2014, a total of 24 ships have been commissioned so far.

Along with the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijani ships also operate in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. ASCO has a total of 13 ships, with seven dry cargo ships and six tankers.

Azerbaijani sailors make up the whole crew of ships representing the country and flying the Azerbaijani flag on foreign seas.

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