Tanker Khankendi makes historic first entry into Australian waters under Azerbaijani flag

An oil tanker sailing under the flag of independent Azerbaijan has entered Australian territorial waters for the first time, with the Aframax-class vessel Khankendi completing a voyage to the port of Geelong, Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ASCO) said.

Departing from the port of Seria in Brunei on October 19, the tanker arrived in Geelong after 18 days of continuous sailing, successfully discharging its cargo and passing Australia’s maritime safety and environmental inspections. While the Azerbaijani dry cargo vessel Khojaly previously made calls at Australia's Kwinana port in February and April 2026, the Khankendi is the first oil tanker under the national flag to reach Australian waters.

Acquired in 2024 by SA Maritime AFEZCO—a joint venture between ASCO and state energy firm SOCAR—the nearly 250-meter-long vessel has a deadweight capacity of 115,521 tons and is managed by ASCO Shipmanagement AFEZCO.