Oriented on making people closer

On May 8, during a working visit to the Balkan Velayat, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov attended the commissioning ceremony for the new dry cargo vessel "Gadamly." This vessel, built entirely at the Balkan Shipyard in Turkmenbashi, marks a quantum leap in the development of the national maritime industry and the strengthening of Turkmenistan's economic power. This event clearly demonstrates the country's transformation into a transportation hub of international significance and the largest logistics hub in the region, consistently implementing the strategy of reviving the Great Silk Road.

In his speech at the ceremony, the head of state emphasized that, in order to improve Turkmenistan's transportation and logistics system, effective work is underway to expand transit and international cargo transportation. "Turkmenistan plays a key role in the development of transnational corridors along the East-West and North-South routes."

Our country has developed a powerful system, including new railway and highway routes, modern airports, and the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. Actively promoting transport diplomacy and relying on six UN General Assembly resolutions adopted on Ashgabat's initiative, Turkmenistan is making every effort to revive the Great Silk Road in a new format. The Balkan shipyard, which launch in 2018 was a landmark event, plays a key role in this process.

The dry cargo ship Gadamly is designed for the transportation of general and bulk cargo. Its deadweight capacity is 6,100 tons. Equipped with the latest technology, the vessel is capable of carrying 240 twenty-foot equivalent containers. This large-scale shipbuilding project was successfully completed by domestic specialists, engineers, and technicians in close collaboration with their Korean partners.

The head of state proudly noted that already this year, Turkmen specialists, together with their colleagues from the Republic of Korea, will commission another similar vessel, the Menzil. The commissioning of these modern vessels will significantly expand the capabilities of the national merchant fleet, increasing the volume of cargo transported both to Turkmenistan and in transit through the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

The historic significance of this event was also confirmed by international partners. Choi Yong-wook, President of Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology (Republic of Korea), emphasized that the construction of the new dry cargo ship demonstrates Turkmenistan's harmonious development, particularly in the transport and logistics sector. The Balkan shipyard, one of the port's key facilities, now has the real capacity to build modern cargo ships capable of international shipping, confirming the technical capabilities for implementing international projects and strengthening the country's position in the global maritime industry.

In support of these words, Choi Yong-wook presented the shipyard with special international certificates for advanced engineering developments and high-quality installation work. Samat Kamalov, manager of the French company Bureau Veritas Marine and Offshore, also presented certificates to the shipyard and the vessel itself, confirming their compliance with high international standards, including environmental ones.

Azat Shanazarov, Chairman of the State Service of Maritime and River Transport, reported to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov that the Gadamly was fully prepared for departure. After receiving the report, the head of state boarded the vessel and inspected its technical specifications and the conditions created for the crew, which fully comply with international maritime requirements. The ship's captain expressed deep gratitude for the state's support and asked for the ship's blessing for its commissioning. He then pressed a special button, activating the vessel's powerful main engine.

This historic event opens up broad opportunities for Turkmenistan to effectively utilize international transport and transit corridors, strengthening the status of the Turkmenbashi port as a vital link at the crossroads of the East-West and North-South corridors.

Photo: tdh.gov.tm