On January 6, a solemn keel laying ceremony of the first dry cargo ship was held at the "Balkan" Shipbuilding and Shiprepair Plant OJSC. The event was attended by shipyard specialists and representatives of the Republic Korea company "Koryo Shipbuilding Industry Technology Co., Ltd." headed by its President Choi Young Wook.

The ceremony became a landmark event, marking an important stage in the development of both the shipyard and the entire shipbuilding industry of the country. The keel laying symbolizes the strength, reliability and durability of the future structure. The new dry cargo ship will meet modern standards, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.

The construction of dry cargo ships for the "Türkmendeñizderýaýollary" agency is carried out within the framework of the decree of the President of Turkmenistan dated August 31, 2023 on improving the material and technical base of the transport industry.

This project was launched on the basis of a contract signed in September 2023 between Turkmenistan and a South Korean company, and includes the construction of two vessels with a carrying capacity of 6,100 tons. The first blocks of the ships under construction were delivered to the construction site on November 11, 2024.

Significant measures are currently being taken in Turkmenistan to improve the marine and river fleet. The laying of the first dry cargo ship in the year that was announced the International Year of Peace and Trust underlines the country's desire to develop the shipbuilding industry in accordance with modern standards, create new jobs and increase export potential.