The Russian Amu Daria Flotilla described by G.N. Curzon in 1889

Curzon wrote that the Oxus flotilla had not been able to realize a good connection between Tcharjui and Kerki or Bosaga due to river navugation problems and that was chosen for a railway. The flotilla consisted of 5 vessels inluding the paddle steam ships Czar and Zaritsa of 165 tons, dimensions 150 x 23 x 2.5 (loaden) feet, horsepower of 500 hp and speed 16 miles in smooth water. The first one was launched in September 1887, costs 14,000l. Both ships with a crew of 30 men were able to transport 300 men and 20 officers. At hte moment was one active between Amu Daria and Petro Alexandrovsk just above Khiva and the other one upstream to Kerki.(1) In his reading ‘The Transcaspian Railway’ on 11 March 1889 said Curzon that the flotilla was partially constructed at Tcharjui.(1)

Note

1. The Amu Daria Flotilla was sometimes referred to as Oxus-flotilla which is the ancient name for the river Amu Darya in Central Asia flowing through Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

Sources

George N. Curzon. Russia in Central Africa in 1889 and the Anglo-Russian Question. London, 1889, p. 148-149 and 264.

Proceedings of the Royal Geographical Society and monthly record of geography. Volume 11, p. 290.