VESSEL REVIEW | ASCO-1 – Azerbaijani operator acquires locally-built tug

Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) recently took delivery of a new tug built by subsidiary Zygh Ship Repair and Construction Yard.

Designed by ASCO Caspian Design Research Institute for operation in the Caspian Sea, ASCO-1 has a length of 26 metres, a beam of 6.7 metres, and space for six crewmembers. An assortment of cargo totalling three tonnes can be transported on the vessel's open aft deck.

Power is provided by a Volvo Penta D13B-N engine with a rated output of 368 kW at 1,800 rpm to deliver a speed of nine knots. The rest of the propulsion setup includes one Stamford 81.5kVa and two Volvo Penta 77kW generators, and these supply power to navigation and communication electronics supplied by Furuno, Sailor, and Jotron. The deck equipment meanwhile consists of a DMT towing winch, an electric windlass, and two anchors.

The accommodation spaces include two single cabins for the captain and the chief engineer and three two-berth cabins for the remainder of the crew. Should evacuation become necessary, the tug is fitted with two 20-person liferafts and storage space for 22 lifejackets.

Design work on ASCO-1 was done in compliance to the requirements of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping.

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