Azerbaijan, Baku, July 9 /Trend S.Isayev, T. Jafarov/
Iran added 13 new oil tankers to its fleet, Iran oil transportation provider's technical issues director Jamal Meyahi said, Moj News reported.
Meyahi noted that currently Iranian fleet has 47 oil tankers capable of transporting 11 million tons of oil, adding that the transportation potential increases to 18 million tons with addition of 13 new tankers.
"The company has a goal to reach potential of transporting 1 billion barrels," Meyahi said. "Considering Iran's overall oil export of 3 mbd, and if we reach that 1 bpd potential, then our company will be responsible for 70 percent of country's overall crude exports".
Meyahi also noted that currently Iranian oil transportation provider sends its tankers to 50 countries, adding that the company co-operates with such industry giants as Shell and Total.
He also said that the company is being sponsored and funded completely by Iranian National Bank, without any foreign investments.
On July 1, the European Union's sanctions against Iran's oil and financial sectors entered into effect. The sanctions prevent all the EU member states from purchasing Iran's oil or extending insurance coverage for tankers carrying Iranian crude.
The sanctions have been imposed based on allegations that Iran is seeking to acquire a military nuclear capability.
Tehran has refuted such allegations, noting that frequent inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency have never found any diversion in its nuclear energy program toward military purposes.
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