WANA (Sep 23) – Just months after the incident at Shahid Rajaee Port, Iran’s nominal port capacity has reached a new record of 300 million tons. Over the past year, more than 210 trillion rials (approximately $4.2 billion) worth of development and investment projects have been implemented, ranging from the construction of a 50,000-ton oil terminal in Chabahar to the expansion of passenger terminals in Qeshm and Kish.

 

In the past year, government policy has focused on expanding maritime transport and strengthening the role of ports in foreign trade. The strategy is designed to boost non-oil exports, increase Iran’s share in international transit, and align with the Seventh Development Plan and the general policies of the Resistance Economy.

 

According to the Ports and Maritime Organization, the increase in capacity was achieved through development projects at northern and southern ports, dredging and deepening of access channels, and installation of modern port equipment. These measures not only enhanced the safety of maritime traffic but also improved the potential for attracting domestic and foreign investment.

 

The Ministry of Roads and Urban Development has overseen the completion of 17 new berths and terminals, of which 12 are already operational. Key projects include the construction of oil terminals at Shahid Rajaee Port with an investment of 10 trillion rials, as well as the launch of a 50,000-ton oil terminal project in Chabahar. Efforts have also focused on expanding the logistics corridor leading to Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar and upgrading railway infrastructure in Imam Khomeini, Chabahar, Amirabad, and Shahid Rajaee ports.

Among other projects, dredging operations in Khormousa Channel at Imam Khomeini Port were carried out with an investment of 10 trillion rials. In terms of equipment, 33 units—including tugboats, search and rescue vessels, light and heavy cranes, ambulances, and fire trucks—were commissioned at a cost of €59 million. Smart systems for vessel traffic control and port operations management have also been deployed to improve efficiency and safety.

 

In the passenger and tourism sector, terminals in Qeshm, Kish, Nowshahr, and Chabahar have been upgraded, improving comfort and safety for travelers. New maritime tourism routes and cruise services have also been introduced.

 

On the investment side, the Ministry signed BOT contracts and long-term lease agreements for specialized terminals and facilities. Incentives were offered to domestic and foreign investors, while new warehouses, logistics centers, and free and special economic zones were leveraged to strengthen Iran’s transit position.

 

According to official reports, 26 civil projects worth approximately 100 trillion rials ($2 billion) have been completed or are ready for operation, while 21 investment projects valued at over 111 trillion rials ($2.2 billion) have either been launched or put into operation in the past year.