An Azerbaijani-owned Handysize dry cargo vessel has embarked on a voyage linking South America with Europe, carrying more than 33,000 tons of zinc from Chile to Belgium.




The Murovdag, operated by the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO), departed from the port of Antofagasta in Chile bound for Antwerp, which is carrying 33,134 tons of zinc, Caliber.Az reports, citing ASCO.


The vessel has already passed through the Strait of Magellan and is now crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward Europe.


With a deadweight capacity of approximately 38,000 tons, Murovdag is one of ASCO’s Handysize-class dry cargo vessels. Its sister vessel Khojaly, ASCO’s first Handysize ship, entered service in May 2024.




Built in Japan in 2020, Murovdag measures 179.9 metres in length and 30 metres in width, with a draft of 10.47 metres. It has a maximum speed of 15.7 knots, while its relatively shallow draft enables it to call at ports with limited water depth.


The vessel meets international environmental standards and is equipped with fuel-efficient systems and modern safety technologies.


By Vafa Guliyeva