Tehran, Iran, Aug.19
Trend:
Iran maritime sector seeks to expand in southern ports, said the CEO of Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO).
"The development plans in our ports cover, in particular, the southern ports and coastal cities, and there should not be any concern over employment," said Mohammad Rastad, Trend reports citing IRNA.
"One of our approaches in Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization is establishment of productive industries in ports hinterland. Our naval fleet and ships have high capacity in country's economy and transit operations," he added.
"We can play a larger role in global transportation and trade, since we have ports and fleet with high capacity. In maritime industry, the country has considerable capacity. Recently, two big projects - on building Average Freight Rate Assessment (Aframax) tanker ship and the first overhaul of CLCC ships in domestic shipyards - have been launched," he said.
In his words, domestic industries are ready to supply the needs of PMO and Iran's fleet and oil industry. "The Ports and Maritime Organization has given necessary orders in maritime carriers production to domestic industries," he noted.
He went on to say: "The country's needs in maritime sector are provided by domestic industries, while our naval force provides security in the region and protects the border waters .Today, we have ensured security in international maritime trade from West to East, and even in dangerous coasts of Somalia.".
"A lot of pressure and economic terrors are imposed on our country, but the mariners have proved that nothing can threat the maritime sectors. Iran has rich history of sea trade and no one can deprive the country from this natural privilege, but we should use existing options more," he added.