The vessel "Dagestan" with a length of 154.5 and a width of 18.3 meters was built in 1984 in Pula, the former Yugoslavia (currently Croatia). It was decided to repair and upgrade the ferry "Dagestan", withdrawn from operations 5 years ago.
Modernization of the ferry, which is one of the unique vessels of its time, was completely executed by the engineering and technical personnel of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company at the "Zigh" Ship Repair and Construction Yard. It should be noted that the project of modernization, the first in the history of the Shipping Company, was also developed by the personnel of the Shipping Company.
Whole ferry management systems have been modernized. One of the main works is performed in the engine room.
In the process of modernization, two oudated auxiliary engines of the “Dagestan” ferry were replaced by Hyundai engines. New 1000 kW engines are characterized with high efficiency, efficiency, and serviceability.
Along with the auxiliary engines, the main engines, which are the driving force of the vessel were also replaced. For comparison, it should be noted that the previous main engines of the vessel were with the weight of 122 tons, the weight of new engines is 31.9 tons. At the same time, the new engines, in comparison with the old ones, which have an excessively large mass and volume, differ in their functionality.
The Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company has ordered new engines in Finland. The main W32 engines produced by the Finnish company Wartsila, ordered by the Shipping Company, are considered one of the world's leading brands in shipbuilding industry. These engines, along with fuel economy, significantly reduce the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
New engines can reduce fuel consumption up to 30%. Most importantly, the engines have a certificate of compliance with the requirements of the "Convention on the Prevention of Air Pollution".
The installation of a new gearbox simplifies the procedure for starting and preparing the engines for operation, which allows to significantly reduce fuel consumption by decreasing the number of rotation of the main engine.
The engine control room has also been completely modernized and installed with new equipments in accordance with the latest technological advances.
Along with this, the emergency and generating unit of the s has been modernized. The modern management and control system has been created in this room.
The modernization work carried out in the engine room is not limited to this. There is also a control system of the central control station, monitors are installed to monitor the operation of the engines. Auxiliary engines and control devices were updated. Observation of ballasts and drainage systems is already being done not by means of excessively heavy, low-functionality and obsolete equipment, but by touch-screen monitors-computers. In a word, all the control systems of the ferry vessel "Dagestan" were replaced by more modern systems in the course of modernization.
The steam boiler was also modernized by replacing the fuel incendiary system. In addition, the screw control system, auxiliary helm, radio navigation and electrical equipment, as well as generators, have been replaced by more advanced analogs that meet all modern technological standards. Repaired auxiliary systems - oil, water, ballast system of the ferry. The installation of surveillance cameras allows you to monitor all the processes taking place in the ferry from the captain's bridge and the engine room.
The hull of the ship was capitally repaired - the surface and underwater parts of the ferry were painted and painted.
Along with this, major repairs of domestic facilities, cabins, corridors, rest rooms. The dining room and kitchen are equipped with the necessary equipment.
It should be noted that upon completion of the modernization works the ferry vessel "Dagestan" successfully passed the sea trials.
The ferry "Dagestan" with carrying capacity of 2425 tons has two decks for transportation of cars and one deck for railway cars. All decks are overhauled and painted. The lighting system was completely renewed, the modernization of which was carried out according to the project developed by the technical staff of the Shipping Company. So, on the back of the vessel on the right side there is a new ramp for moving cars to the deck. Previously, loading of trucks and cars into the ferry was carried out only from the rear ramp, which was intended for the loading of wagons.
The modernized vessel "Dagestan" takes a special place in the ferry fleet of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company, which is the only ferry operator in the Caspian Sea. The vessel is already involved in cargo transportation on the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
Vessel "Dagestan" will play a key role in implementing state policy aimed to increase the transit attractiveness of Azerbaijan and turning it into the largest transport and logistics center of the region.