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Five Azerbaijani vessels removed from European Union sanctions list

24 April 2026 09:52 (UTC +04:00)

Under the relevant decision of the Council of the European Union dated April 23, 2026, sanctions imposed on the vessel “Zagatala,” owned by “Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company” CJSC (ASCO), as well as on the vessels “Shusha,” “Karabakh,” “Khankendi,” and “Zangezur,” owned by a joint venture of ASCO and SOCAR, have been lifted, ASCO told APA-Economics.

According to the decision, the aforementioned vessels have been removed from the European Union’s sanctions list.

The positive resolution of the issue became possible as a result of coordinated diplomatic and legal efforts carried out by the Administration of the President 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 (one of AZCON Holding companies), and SOCAR.

Note that the aforementioned vessels had been leased to third parties on a long-term basis under charter agreements, and their operation was carried out in full compliance with international regulations, including international sanctions requirements. The adopted decision is assessed as a result of an objective approach based on international law norms and constructive dialogue.

As a state-owned company operating internationally in the shipping sector, ASCO will continue its activities in strict compliance with the country’s legislation, international legal norms, and international sanctions regimes.