Saturn Drilling Rig Returned to Turkmenistan Accompanied by ASCO Vessels
The transportation operation lasted three days and involved six vessels.
The Saturn oil drilling rig, which had been delivered from Turkmenistan to Azerbaijan in May of last year, was returned to Turkmen waters of the Caspian Sea accompanied by vessels of ASCO, which is part of AZCON Holding. This was reported by the ASCO press service.
It is noted that the rig was removed from the Port of Shykh under the escort of the vessels Govsan, Govsan 2, and SOCAR 1, and then towed by the vessels Andoga, Shuvelan, and Mardakan. This complex operation, which lasted three days, was successfully completed in full compliance with safety requirements.
“Also, upon return from Turkmenistan, ASCO vessels will deliver the Neptune drilling rig to Azerbaijan. Preparation for its transportation has already begun,” the statement said.
As previously reported by PortNews IAA, ASCO completed the towing of Saturn to Baku (Azerbaijan) accompanied by its own vessels in May 2024.
For reference
The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) was established in October 2013. In addition to its transport fleet, ASCO includes a specialized fleet and ship repair yards. The transport fleet consists of 52 vessels, including 21 tankers, 13 ferries, 14 multipurpose dry cargo ships, 2 Ro-Ro vessels, and 2 Ro-Pax vessels. The specialized fleet comprises 192 vessels, including 20 crane vessels, 20 tug and supply vessels, 23 passenger vessels, 2 pipe-laying vessels, 5 fire-fighting vessels, 5 engineering and geological survey vessels, 9 diving support vessels, and 108 service and auxiliary vessels.
