WANA (May 24) – Thirteen domestically-built vessels, manufactured by the Marine Industries Organization of Iran’s Ministry of Defense, were officially added to the operational fleet of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) during a ceremony held this morning.

 

The new additions include four 1,800-horsepower tugboats and nine rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) designed for search and rescue operations. All vessels were designed and built by the Marine Industries Organization of the Ministry of Defense.

 

The RIBs are fast-response boats intended for coastal search and rescue missions. Thanks to their high speed and optimized general layout, they are also capable of serving as patrol boats, maritime ambulances, or in various emergency response roles. Each RIB is 13.5 meters long and weighs approximately 15 tons.

 

The 1,800-horsepower tugboats, each 20.9 meters in length and with a top speed of 11 knots, are engineered for docking and undocking operations, assisting the safe movement of vessels within port boundaries, and providing firefighting support in emergency situations. These tugboats play a vital role in improving the safety and efficiency of port operations.

 

The integration took place under the directive of President Masoud Pezeshkian and in the presence of Defense Minister Brigadier General Pilot Nasirzadeh and the Governor of Khuzestan Province.

 

According to officials, the construction process involved fully localized production of steel hulls and structural components, along with the installation of over 76 systems—including acoustic, hydraulic, propulsion, and utility systems. This localization effort resulted in $20 million in foreign exchange savings and created 1,000 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs across the country.

 

Key technologies developed during the project include the localization of mechanical power transmission systems for propulsion, flame- and fire-resistant power cables, marine-grade steel sheets, and the ergonomic design of command bridge consoles.

 

“These achievements reflect a strategic investment in domestic capabilities,” said the head of the Marine Industries Organization. “The project marks a significant step toward self-sufficiency and the strengthening of Iran’s defense and maritime service infrastructure.”

 

He added that the organization is fully prepared to design, build, and supply a wide range of vessels—including container ships, dredgers, pollution-control craft, passenger ferries, tugboats, firefighting boats, and surface-effect ships—based on the needs of domestic agencies and international clients.