OREANDA-NEWS. October 30, 2009. The Khazar tanker moored in the Turkmenbashi seaport on the main national holiday – Independence Day. The ceremony that brought together the local high-ranking officials, specialists of Turkmendenizderyayollary Department, seaport workers, members of the public organisations, the elders and local people took place at the seaport on this remarkable occasion.

As is known, a priority of the national policy pursued by President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov is to develop transport infrastructure including merchant marine. An important step was the special Resolution issued by the Turkmen leader this June. In accordance with the document one of the oldest shipyards in the Russian Federation Krasnoye Sormovo built two river-sea tankers with the boat load of 7, 000 tons of oil and oil products. The USD 31 million worth project is financed through the loan provided by the Islamic Development Bank. Two months ago the first of two large-capacity vessels – the Sumbar tanker moored in the Turkmenbashi seaport.

By tradition, the heartfelt welcome was extended to the ship’s crew. The blessing ritual was performed upon the successful arrival of the Khazar tanker to the port of registration. The mullahs offered prayers up to the Almighty for Turkmenistan’s wellbeing and prosperity and every success in the Turkmen leader’s undertakings and initiatives.

The Khazar tanker is equipped with state-of-the-art mechanisms and equipment meting the environmental requirements can transport 6 kinds of oil products. Thus, modernizing Turkmenistan’s marine fleet through purchasing large-capacity vessels will extend the geography of overseas voyages of Turkmen vessels and promote strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation in the Caspian region.