Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec. 11
By Fatih Karimov – Trend:
The construction headquarters of IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has asked Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, to cancel a contract for the purchase of 10 ships from South Korea.
Commander of Khatam-al Anbiya Construction Headquarters, brigadier general Ebadollah Abdollahi, asked Rouhani to cancel the contract as soon as possible, Tasnim news agency reported Dec. 11.
He said that the Khatam-al Anbiya Construction Headquarters is ready to construct 10 ships on EPCF (Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation and Finance) basis with 85 percent finance and 15 percent share of Iranian government.
He added that the South Koreans signed a similar deal, worth $215 million 8 years ago but refused to fulfil their commitments.
“Meanwhile, today Iran enjoys the capability to manufacture ships and considering the need to activate the domestic production capacity to confront the unemployment problem it is very surprising that the institutions and organizations sign such contracts with foreign parties,” Abdollahi said.
Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has finalized a contract with the South Korean industry giant, Hyundai to buy 10 ships worth $650 million.
Hyundai said that the company will build several container ships and oil tankers for the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines for delivery from year 2018.
It is the first contract to purchase ships from South Korea after lifting sanctions by implementing the nuclear deal last January.