BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 26. The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO) has launched its new Handysize-type vessel, Khojaly, on an international cargo voyage, Trend reports via ASCO.
According to the report, the Khojaly vessel will transport 30,000 tons of lumber from Canada to China and Japan.
The vessel, flying the Azerbaijani flag, has already loaded cargo at Canadian ports Nanaimo and Stewart. It will next head to the port of Lanshan in China and then to Matsuyama in Japan, ASCO noted.
This vessel was acquired by ASCO as part of its strategic development program for Azerbaijan's shipping industry.
With a cargo capacity of over 38,000 tons—eight times greater than the capacity of ASCO's main fleet—the Khojaly is a significant addition. It measures 180 meters in length, and 30 meters in width, has a draft of nearly 10.5 meters, and a maximum speed of 15.7 knots.
ASCO currently manages a fleet of 54 vessels for various purposes.