At ASCO’s (Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping) Zigh Ship Repair and Construction Yard and the Bibiheybat Ship Repair Yard, new approaches and innovative solutions are consistently applied during repair works to achieve global goals, such as preserving marine ecosystems and reducing carbon emissions, Report informs, citing ASCO.

In accordance with this principle, and in line with the requirements of relevant international conventions and classification societies, ASCO ensures compliance during both dock and major repairs of its transport and specialised offshore fleet over scheduled periods.

In general, all materials procured within the scope of repairs are selected according to environmental standards, with a particular focus on energy efficiency.

To minimise environmental impacts from ship operations, hull cleaning is performed, and main and auxiliary engines are replaced with modern, lower-emission alternatives. Notably, during 2022–2023, the hulls of 180 vessels were cleaned, and 33 auxiliary and 7 main engines were procured and installed on vessels.

To further enhance energy efficiency, special attention is given to the regular cleaning of underwater sections of vessels arriving for repair, replacing lighting systems with LED lamps, and polishing propellers to reduce engine load.

These measures collectively enable a fuel saving of 2–3% during vessel operation and contribute to an overall reduction in emissions.

ASCO also maintains an effective waste management system in the ship repair sector, ensuring that waste generated during repair processes is minimised, recycled, and properly disposed of.

It is worth noting that ASCO conducts continuous research and evaluations aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions as a result of repairs. Future plans include the potential application of various approaches, such as cleaning ship hulls with specialised robotic equipment.