By the relevant decision of the Council of the European Union dated April 23, 2026, the sanctions imposed on the “Zaqatala” vessel belonging to the “Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping” CJSC (ASCO), as well as the “Shusha”, “Qarabagh”, “Khankendi”, and “Zangazur” vessels belonging to a joint venture of ASCO and SOCAR, have been lifted. According to the decision, the mentioned vessels have been removed from the European Union’s sanctions list.
According to the information provided to “Elchi” by ASCO, the positive resolution of the issue was made possible as a result of coordinated diplomatic and legal activities carried out by the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ASCO, which is one of the AZCON Holding companies, as well as SOCAR.
It should be noted that the mentioned vessels were leased to third parties on a long-term basis under charter agreements, and their operation was carried out in full compliance with international rules, including international sanction requirements. The adopted decision is assessed as a result of an objective approach and constructive dialogue based on international legal norms.
As a state-owned company operating internationally in the shipping sector, ASCO will continue to carry out its activities in strict compliance with national legislation, international legal norms, and international sanction regimes.
