A river – sea class dry cargo vessel with the capacity of over six thousand tonnes was put into operation in Turkmenistan. This event represents a historic milestone for the country’s young national shipbuilding industry, as it is the first vessel of this class ever built and launched in the country.
The official commissioning ceremony of the container vessel named “Gadamly” took place during President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s working visit to the Balkan province in the Caspian region of Turkmenistan.
In recent years, the Balkan province has been developing steadily in line with the successful implementation of the regional socio economic development programme. In this regard, the achievements of the shipbuilders at the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant in Turkmenbashi appear both logical and well deserved. The construction of a modern class vessel at Turkmen shipyards serves as clear evidence that the country’s transport and logistics system is reaching a new level.
According to the programme of transport diplomacy adopted in the country, Turkmenistan has significantly intensified its engagement in the field of international transport development. The objective of the programme is to position Turkmenistan as one of the key participants in international transport corridors not only in Central and South Asia, but across the broader Eurasian space. This will contribute to increasing transit revenues and strengthening the national economy. Developing efficient and cost effective logistics routes for Turkmenistan’s exporters and importers is another equally important priority.
In turn, to fulfil these tasks, the Government of Turkmenistan has incorporated a set of measures into its transport diplomacy programme aimed at further developing and strengthening the capacity of the national transport sector, bringing its operations closer to international standards.
In 2018, the Turkmenbashi International Seaport was built on the Caspian coast, and it can rightly be described as the principal maritime gateway not only of Turkmenistan, but of the entire Central Asian region. Its total throughput capacity amounts to approximately 17 million tonnes of cargo annually (excluding petroleum products), as well as 300,000 passengers, 75,000 trucks and 400,000 containers. The port is capable of accommodating up to 17 vessels simultaneously.
Addressing the guests at the official ceremony of commissioning the new vessel, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov extended his warm congratulations to all participants of the event on the opening of a new chapter in the history of the national shipbuilding complex. He noted that the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant, established in 2018, is making a significant contribution to the development of the maritime and river transport sector.
The new vessel “Gadamly” is designed for the transportation of dry cargo. Equipped with modern technologies, it has a maximum carrying capacity of 6,100 tonnes, capable of accommodating up to 240 twenty foot containers. For the first time, a shipbuilding project of this scale has been successfully implemented by Turkmen specialists in cooperation with Korean partners. Later this year, Turkmen shipbuilders jointly with Korean engineers are expected to commission another cargo vessel – “Menzil” – which will significantly expand the capacity of the national merchant marine fleet.
Other honoured guests at the official ceremony included Choi Young wook, President of Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology (Republic of Korea). Congratulating all those present on the successful completion of the construction of “Gadamly” dry cargo vessel, he emphasized that this historic achievement demonstrates Turkmenistan’s transition to balanced development across all sectors, particularly in the transport and logistics sphere. He further noted that the construction of the new vessel at the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant represents a tangible result of joint efforts. This confirms that the plant, as one of the key components of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport, has got the capacity to build modern cargo vessels capable of operating in international shipping. All of this clearly attests to the technical capabilities of the plant, enabling the successful implementation of international projects and strengthening Turkmenistan’s position in the global maritime industry.
Choi Young wook presented the Balkan Shipbuilding and Repair Plant with special international certificates recognizing advanced engineering solutions and the high quality of assembly work in the construction of the new vessel. Then, Samat Kamalov, Manager at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (France), presented the Balkan shipyard and the vessel itself with special certificates marking the successful completion of the construction of “Gadamly” dry cargo vessel and confirming its compliance with high international standards, including those related to environmental protection.
At the most ceremonial moment, Chairman of the State Service for Maritime and River Transport Azat Shanazarov reported to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the full readiness of “Gadamly” dry cargo vessel to set sail.
Having received the report, the Head of State familiarized himself with the vessel’s technical specifications and the onboard conditions. In terms of its characteristics and equipment the ship fully complies with international maritime standards. The participation of local specialists, engineers and technical personnel in specialized training seminars helped to enhance their professional qualifications, ensuring that the construction of the new vessel was carried out in accordance with high international standards. Congratulating the ship’s captain on the commissioning of the new vessel, the Head of State extended his best wishes for continued success in his work.
The ship’s captain started the main engine, while the vessel’s horn—sounded in accordance with the noble traditions of seafaring—became a symbol of continuity between centuries old maritime customs and modern practice. Just a few days later, a ceremonial reception was held at the Baku International Sea Trade Port to welcome “Gadamly” dry cargo vessel following its maiden trans Caspian voyage.
The arrival of the new Turkmen dry cargo vessel in Azerbaijan became an important event, symbolizing the further strengthening of transport and logistics cooperation between the two countries and continued development of cargo transportation routes within the Trans Caspian International Transport Corridor.
Representatives of transport and logistics institutions from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, heads of relevant agencies, as well as officials from both countries took part in the vessel welcoming ceremony. They expressed confidence that the commissioning of “Gadamly” dry cargo vessel would provide additional momentum to the development of maritime transport, strengthen partnership ties and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan.