Container Handling at Iranian Ports Surpasses One Million
WANA (Sep 15) – New data from Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization shows that more than one million containerized goods were handled at the country’s ports in the first four months of this year, marking a milestone toward the targets of the Seventh Development Plan. This volume accounts for 60 percent of last year’s national transit record.
According to official reports, over 3 million TEUs of containerized goods were handled at Iranian ports in 2024. Continuing this trend, Saeed Rasouli, head of the Ports and Maritime Organization, announced that in just the first four months of this year, more than one million TEUs were processed, underscoring the ports’ vital role in the national economy.
The most notable achievement, however, relates to cargo transit. Last year, Iran surpassed 20 million tons of transit—well above forecasts—with about 2.5 million tons moved by rail and more than 17.5 million tons by road. Of this total, nearly 14.7 million tons passed through Iran’s ports, highlighting their 60 percent share in the accomplishment.
In addition to container operations, Iran’s ports also posted strong performance in oil and non-oil cargo. Last year, nearly 220 million tons of goods were handled in these sectors, with close to 70 million tons processed in the past four months alone.
While some categories saw growth and others remained stable or declined, the overall trend reflects the significant capacity of the country’s ports.
Officials stress, however, that there remains a gap between nominal capacity—around 300 million tons—and actual performance. Expanding unloading and loading equipment, upgrading storage systems, and strengthening coordination among transport sectors are seen as critical steps toward realizing full capacity.
The Seventh Development Plan sets a clear benchmark: Iran must reach 40 million tons of annual transit by the end of the program, requiring at least 6 million tons of growth each year. Last year’s figure of 20 million tons, surpassing the 16.5 million-ton projection, signals promising potential to achieve that goal.
Experts argue that strengthening Iran’s role as a transit hub brings multiple benefits, including significant foreign currency revenue, enhanced international strategic standing, shared interests with key economic and political players, resilience against unilateral sanctions, and expanded financial and trade relations. Most importantly, they note, it fosters alignment between public and government interests.
Against the backdrop of global demand for secure and reliable trade routes, Iran’s ports are positioned to serve as a vital bridge between East and West, as well as North and South, shaping the country into a central player in regional and Eurasian transport and logistics.
Container Handling at Iranian Ports Surpasses One Million. Social media/ WANA News Agency
