ASCO implements new solutions in their third RoPax from Baku Shipyard

FerryConstruction of the third RoPax, Yard No. H114, in a series of three next-generation RoPax ferries for ASCO (Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping) at the Baku Shipyard (BSY) is progressing on schedule. 70% of the project has been completed, ASCO says in a public update.

Work on the hull and engineering systems is 99% complete, while procurement and supply have reached 94% progress. In parallel, electrical and mechanical installation, insulation, and construction of the accommodation are underway.

“The third newbuild RoPax ferry in ASCO’s fleet will make a significant contribution to ensuring the continuity and resilience of the growing cargo and passenger traffic on the Caspian Sea, as well as along the Middle Corridor route. Compared to previous vessels of the same type, this project incorporates design and functional innovations. The ferry will be equipped with a 3-tonne service crane and additional compressed air system tanks. It will also feature a dedicated power supply system for reefer containers and infrastructure for detecting hazardous gases in the cargo hold,” ASCO notes in the update.

According to the company, the vessel’s design will include extra guides for the foam fire-extinguishing system, two sliding doors, one metal door, and one additional hatch. The ferry will also be fitted with an automatic rail track passage system and a new braking system on the cargo deck.

The main engine room will see further innovations, including the integration of an additional cooling system, along with the installation of two service hatches and two maintenance cranes.

The two already delivered units in the series are AZERBAIJAN (2021) and ZARIFA ALIYEVA (2022), both approx. 8,500 GT, with a length overall of 154.5 metre, a beam of 17.5 metre and a capacity of 860 lanemetres/728 rail-lanemetres, and 100 passengers with access to night accommodation in 40 cabins. ASCO operates 15 RoPax/RoRo vessels, several with rail carrying capacity, on the Caspian Sea on routes connection Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.

The company has just published its volume figures for the first nine month of 2025. During that period, their fleet carried 28,330 units of vehicles and trucks, as well as 28,076 rail wagons. Compared to the same period last year, the number of both vehicles and rail wagons transported decreased by about 4%.

Yard No. H114 is expected to be delivered in the first half of 2026.