Surakhani Ship Museum

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Surakhani Ship Museum in Baku, Azerbaijan, offers a truly unique cultural experience. Located on the Caspian Sea waterfront, this floating museum occupies a genuine tanker named Surakhani, which once carried oil and petroleum products. Opened in March 2021, it stands as the world’s first museum aboard an oil tanker, celebrating Azerbaijan’s rich maritime heritage and technological evolution.

About the Museum

The tanker Surakhani, built in 1957 and measuring 123.5 meters in length with a deadweight of 4,696 tons, originally served as a major vessel transporting oil in the region. In 2017, the decision was taken to repurpose this historic ship into a museum. Over 2,000 specialists and more than 100 local and international companies—drawing design inspiration from museums in Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Turkey—completed extensive renovation and reconstruction of its hull and interiors.

Visitors board the ship and commence their exploration in the reception hall, where the captain and first mate greet guests and provide insight into the roles of the crew. The museum features 11 individual exhibition halls, each crafted with interactive and immersive technology. Through these spaces, visitors encounter the geological and human history of the Caspian Sea, learn about Absheron’s oil production, and view models of early vessels and sea giants.

The museum displays nautical artifacts such as anchor chains, historic navigation tools, and recreates nautical knots that are nearly 5,000 years old. One highlight is a large 360‑degree screen that immerses visitors in Azerbaijan’s maritime past. There are also interactive simulators allowing guests to dock the ship or practice Morse code and signal flag communication.

Further along, the engine room provides a glimpse into the vessel’s operational machinery—from the main engine to auxiliary pumps. Virtual reality headsets take visitors back in time to experience the daily life of mid‑twentieth‑century crew members. The Crew Gallery contains reconstructed cabins, the ship’s galley, and domestic appliances from the 1960s. The bridge area recreates the radio and navigation control centre in its original condition. Finally, the “Malacofauna” corner exhibits shell and coral samples collected from global seas and oceans.

Additional amenities include a gift shop, a terrace with scenic waterfront views, and a restaurant specialising in Azerbaijani and seafood cuisine for up to 68 guests.

Interesting Facts

Historic vessel: The tanker is an “Engineer A. Pustoshkin” class ship, launched in 1957—the first of its kind in the Caspian Sea.
World first: It holds the distinction of being the first museum established aboard an oil tanker.
Large‑scale renovation: Over 2,000 shipwrights and more than 100 companies contributed to its 2017–2021 transformation.
Interactive galleries: Visitors can operate docking simulators, tie nautical knots, send Morse code messages, and decode signal flags.
Immersive theatre: A 360‑degree video hall transports guests through the ancient and modern history of the Caspian region.
Living history: Virtual reality lets visitors step into the daily lives of crew members in the vintage engine room.
Marine collection: Exhibits include shell and coral specimens gathered from seas and oceans worldwide.
Culinary offering: The onboard restaurant serves national dishes and seafood while overlooking the Seaside National Park.

Photo Gallery

Physical Location

Contact Details

Phone: +994 50 274 3097

Website: surakhanishipmuseum.az/en

Facebook: facebook.com/surakhanishipmuseum

Conclusion

The Surakhani Ship Museum provides a remarkable blend of maritime history, technological innovation, and immersive learning, all housed within a fully restored tanker. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits, virtual reality, and authentic shipboard life while enjoying scenic views and delicious cuisine. Whether you are interested in the history of oil transportation, the evolution of navigation, or immersive museum experiences, Surakhani offers something special. As the first tanker museum of its kind in the world, it stands as a testament to Azerbaijan’s maritime legacy—and a must‑visit destination for travellers exploring Baku’s vibrant cultural landscape.