Efforts underway to bring Mirza Kochak Khan Ship back to Caspian Sea
Local authorities in Bandar Anzali, in the northern part of Gilan Province, coordinate inter-agency efforts to accelerate the restart of Iran’s first Caspian passenger ship, the Mirza Kochak Khan, into service.
According to IRNA, the meeting featured reports from participating executive bodies on actions taken and prerequisites within their respective responsibilities. The participants stressed the importance of ongoing coordination and interagency collaboration among the relevant entities to hasten the process of resuming operations for the ship.
The Mirza Kochak Khan measures 74 meters in length, 12 meters in width, 20 meters in height, and weighs 2,000 tons, with a passenger capacity of 150. The vessel entered the Caspian Sea in 1992 CE and was placed under the management of the Caspian Sea Shipping Company.
From 1999-2006 CE, the ship was under the control of the IRGC Navy, after which it was purchased by a private sector party. It underwent undersea and afloat repairs as well as modernization of navigational electronic equipment and auxiliary navigation gear by September 2009, achieving coastal waterways navigation certificates.
Between 1991-1996, the ship made several voyages to the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, due to the lack of modern weather forecasting and navigation systems at the time, along with passenger discomfort and resulting low passenger numbers, the service was halted.
The ship was relaunched but shortly afterward ran aground again.
Bandar Anzali remains a focal point for Caspian maritime initiatives, with ongoing discussions and pilot programs geared toward reviving regional passenger and freight services. Local ports, universities, and maritime authorities in Anzali have expressed continued interest in showcasing the city as a hub for safe, modern, and tourist-friendly Caspian travel.