The EU Council has lifted sanctions on five Azerbaijani vessels

The European Union has removed 5 vessels belonging to Azerbaijan from its sanctions list.

This is reported by BAKU.WS with reference to the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) CJSC.

"By the decision of the Council of the European Union dated April 23, 2026, the sanctions imposed on the vessel Zagatala, owned by ASCO, as well as the vessels Shusha, Karabakh, Khankendi, and Zangezur, owned by the joint venture of ASCO and SOCAR, have been lifted. Thus, the aforementioned vessels have been removed from the European Union's sanctions list," the statement reads.

It is noted that the positive resolution of the issue was made possible thanks to the coordinated diplomatic and legal efforts of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, ASCO, as well as SOCAR.

"The aforementioned vessels had been transferred to third parties under long-term lease arrangements based on charter agreements, and their operation was carried out in full compliance with international regulations, including sanctions requirements. The decision taken is regarded as the result of an objective approach based on the norms of international law, as well as constructive dialogue," the statement reads.

ASCO emphasizes that as a state-owned company operating in the field of international shipping, it will continue to conduct its activities in strict compliance with national legislation, norms of international law, and international sanctions regimes.

Gallery