Ilham Aliyev attended ceremony to launch new ships

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended a ceremony to launch "Rashid Behbudov" fast passenger ship, "Ganja" tanker and "Gafur Mammadov" dry cargo ship of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company.

Chairman of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company Rauf Valiyev informed the head of state of the new vessels.

The President first viewed “Ganja” tanker, which is one of the two tankers ordered by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and Caspian Marine Services Alliance. Its deadweight is 7,000 tons. The tanker measures 140.9 m in length, and 16.7 m in width. The head of state pressed the button to commission “Ganja” tanker.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed of two Ro-Pax vessels that will be constructed at Baku shipyard.

Then Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and Baku shipyard signed an agreement on the construction of two “Ganja” type tankers.

The head of state then met with family members of outstanding singer Rashid Behbudov and posed for photographs with them.

President Ilham Aliyev was informed of Rashid Behbudov fast passenger ship, whose construction was ordered by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and Caspian Marine Services Alliance. Built by Australian Austal ship building company, the vessel features more than 400 square meters of cargo deck area and the ability to carry 150 passengers (plus 16 crew) 400 nautical miles at 30 knots. It features DP2 (DYNPOS-AUTR) dynamic positioning and an Ampelmann ‘walk to work’ gangway.

Rashid Behbudov`s grandchild cut the ribbon symbolizing the launch of the vessel.

The head of state was informed of the newly purchased Gafur Mammadov" dry cargo ship. The vessel`s deadweight is 5,500 tons. It is 108.3 m in length, and 16.5 m in width.