PMO News Portal - Allahmorad Afifipour, Director General of Maritime Affairs and PMO and spokesperson for Nowruz marine transport operations, announced that from March 13 to March 26, 2025, over 3.5 million tourist and passenger trips were successfully carried out without any reported incidents. During this period, approximately 500,000 vehicles were also transported between the mainland and the islands using landing crafts.

He highlighted the continuous 24-hour presence and supervision of government and regulatory representatives across Iran’s coastal regions, ensuring smooth and secure maritime operations.

Addressing the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, he noted that rough seas persisted for 72 hours along Iran’s southern coasts.

However, timely public notifications and strict adherence to PMO advisories, in coordination with the Iranian Meteorological Organization and provincial authorities, led to a temporary suspension of marine tourism services, effectively preventing any incidents.

Afifipour urged the public to avoid boarding unauthorized boats, which are frequently advertised on social media, warning that such vessels lack essential safety measures.

He further advised marine tourists and passengers to use only licensed maritime transport services, emphasizing that these services not only provide standardized safety measures and fair pre-approved fares but are also regularly inspected and certified by the Ports and Maritime Organization.

PMO News Portal - On Wednesday, March 26, 2025, Iran’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Seyed Ali Mousavi, presented his credentials to the IMO Secretary-General at the organization’s headquarters in London, officially commencing his diplomatic mission.

During the meeting, Mousavi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to constructive engagement and close collaboration with the IMO.

He emphasized the country’s focus on enhancing maritime safety, preserving the marine environment, and facilitating global shipping operations.

He also underscored Iran’s extensive maritime capabilities, including its numerous ports, and stressed the importance of utilizing these facilities to expand international maritime transport. Additionally, he called upon the Secretary-General to play an active role in advancing technical aspects of the maritime sector.

Referring to the IMO Secretary-General’s visit to Iran last year, Mousavi extended an official invitation for a return visit to explore the country’s vast maritime and shipping potential.

In response, Dominguez reiterated the importance of strengthening cooperation and expressed gratitude for Iran’s ongoing efforts in protecting seafarers and enhancing maritime operations.

Celebrating Nowruz at IMO Headquarters in London

On Friday, March 28, 2025, the IMO headquarters in London hosted a ceremony marking International Nowruz Day. The event brought together ambassadors, national representatives, and members of the diplomatic corps to celebrate the ancient tradition.

Speaking at the event, Mousavi stated, “This is my first official speech as Iran’s new Permanent Representative to the IMO. I appreciate the opportunity to address this distinguished gathering and reaffirm my country’s commitment to international maritime cooperation, ensuring safe and secure shipping, protecting the marine environment, and providing essential facilities for seafarers.”

He added, “As all distinguished delegations are aware, the United Nations General Assembly recognized March 21 as ‘International Nowruz Day’ through Resolution 64/253, adopted on February 23, 2010. Nowruz, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity, symbolizes renewal, harmony, and cultural solidarity worldwide.”

Mousavi elaborated on Nowruz’s historical significance, stating that it is observed by over 300 million people globally, with a history spanning more than 3,000 years. “Nowruz is celebrated across the Balkans, the Black Sea region, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. It represents an enduring reflection of ancient traditions, fostering cultural unity and promoting values such as peace and mutual respect, and” he remarked.

Highlighting Nowruz’s deep roots in both Eastern and Western civilizations, Mousavi noted that its customs and rituals exemplify a rich cultural exchange that has shaped shared human history. “This occasion offers a chance for families and communities to come together, celebrate renewal, and embrace the new year,” he said.

In closing, Mousavi emphasized the importance of cultural solidarity and Nowruz’s message of peace and friendship. He invited all attendees to participate in the Iranian delegation’s Nowruz celebration at the IMO headquarters.

During the event, representatives from various countries extended their best wishes, congratulating Iran on the occasion of International Nowruz Day and the Persian New Year.

PMO News Portal - The Legal Committee (LEG) met in person for its 112th session at IMO Headquarters in London (with hybrid participation).  The Committee deals with all legal matters within the scope of IMO, including issues relating to liability and compensation, fair treatment of seafarers and the fraudulent registration of ships.

Fair Treatment of Seafarers

The session opened with the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair. Discussions then were focused on the fair treatment of seafarers, which is a major concern in maritime labor rights.

Iran’s delegation is led by Pouria Koulivand, the Permanent Representative of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) and his deputy to the IMO. He is attending the meeting in person at IMO headquarters in London.

Additional PMO officials from the Legal Affairs Department, Security Division, and the Directorate General of Seafarers’ Affairs, along with representatives from maritime specialized organizations, are participating via videoconference.

Diverse Legal Issues Under Discussion

The LEG 112 meetings will continue until Friday, March 29. Key topics under review include piracy and armed robbery at sea, which remain serious threats to global shipping.

The committee is also discussing legal frameworks for autonomous vessels, as the industry moves toward automation. Another critical issue is the regulatory challenges of alternative fuels and decarbonization, as the sector adapts to global environmental policies.

These discussions aim to enhance maritime legal frameworks and address evolving challenges in global shipping.

Iran’s Active Contribution to the session

Iran’s delegation engaged actively from the start, delivering three key statements on major legal matters during the first session.

The IMO Legal Committee (LEG) plays a crucial role in shaping international maritime law, including liability and compensation regimes, regulatory compliance, and new legal challenges. Iran’s participation underscores its commitment to global maritime diplomacy and legal cooperation within the IMO framework.

PMO News Portal - These initiatives aim to bring about a transformation in maritime transport through procedural reforms and synergy among executive bodies. In his New Year’s message, Rasouli also underscored the pivotal role of maritime-oriented development and large-scale investments in achieving economic objectives.

Amirabad Port: Expanding Capacity and Enhancing Transit

During his visit to Amirabad Port, Rasouli announced that the port capacity capacity would be increased from 7.5 million tons to 10 million tons. Highlighting the port’s rail infrastructure, he underscored its critical role in boosting goods transit.

He further stressed that in the year of "Investment for Production," the investment process in the country’s ports would be streamlined. This approach aligns with the three key strategic pillars outlined in his New Year’s message: "Maritime Economy," "Transit," and "Logistics Management."

Regional Meetings to Foster Cooperation

Rasouli pointed to the of economic cooperation organization (ECO) meetings among Caspian Sea littoral states and revealed plans for future bilateral and multilateral meetings to expand port activities.

He emphasized the need to accelerate project implementation and reduce investment barriers by supporting private-sector investors.

Supporting the Private Sector in Fereydunkenar Port

During his visit to Fereydunkenar Port, Rasouli reiterated that strong support for investors rests a core policy of the PMO.

Referring to the port’s potential in fuel storage, grain handling, and mechanized equipment, he highlighted the necessity of holding specialized meetings with investors to eliminate obstacles and optimize existing facilities.

Rasouli also stated that supporting investment and eliminating excessive bureaucracy are among the PMO’s top priorities. He also announced plans to revise contracts and economic models to align with the country’s evolving economic landscape.

Nowshahr Port: High Capacity for Cargo Handling

Visiting Nowshahr Port in the early days of Spring 2025, Rasouli reaffirmed the need for maritime-oriented development and enhancing export and import capabilities.

According to Rasouli, the port has demonstrated positive performance in cargo handling over the past two years and will further increase its capacity through necessary infrastructure enhancements.

He described the revision of investment regulations and procedures as a fundamental step toward revitalizing the port and insisted that barriers to investment should be swiftly removed.

Facilitation: The Key to Port Development

Summarizing the PMO’s new policies, Rasouli prioritized support for the private sector and emphasized that the PMO must eliminate investment obstacles to pave the way for industrial growth and national economic development.

Concluding his remarks, Rasouli stated that transport and logistics are the driving forces of the country’s economy. He expressed hope that the new year would witness real facilitation in port activities and greater private sector participation.

PMO News Portal - Allah Morad Afifi Poor, Director-General of Maritime Affairs at PMO, stated that 231,000 vehicles had been transported by sea to the islands of Qeshm and Kish during this period. Furthermore, 59,000 passenger and recreational vessels operated smoothly. This process will continue along the coasts.

Afifi Poor also referenced weather forecasts predicting adverse conditions, which have temporarily suspended marine travel. He warned that these severe weather conditions would persist until Wednesday, leading to temporary restrictions on maritime traffic.He urged passengers to comply with safety measures and avoid using unauthorized vessels during these challenging conditions.

"The severe weather has affected western coastal regions and will continue to affect other areas. People must follow the authorities' guidance for their safety," Afifi Poor emphasized.

 PMO News Portal - In his Nowruz message, Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Transport and Acting Head of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), reaffirmed the organization's commitment to these key priorities for 1404 (2025-2026). He announced that 154 trillion rials have been allocated to commercial port investments to drive Iran’s maritime trade and economic expansion.

Rasouli further stated that, in line with the government's ocean-centric economic policies, the PMO has implemented major initiatives, including port tariff reforms, increased foreign and domestic investment, and operational efficiency improvements to enhance competitiveness.

He emphasized that these measures are designed to reduce costs for cargo operators and shipowners while increasing port productivity.

Additionally, he underscored the significance of developing smart ports and integrating digital systems as essential components of Iran’s maritime modernization efforts. “We have designed and initiated bold steps to implement smart port technologies, and we will pursue these initiatives with full force in the coming year,” he stated.

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Urban Development also highlighted the need for greater coordination among maritime, rail, and road transport sectors to strengthen national connectivity and trade corridors.

He expressed confidence that a joint task force involving key stakeholders will play a crucial role in advancing long-term logistics and transit objectives.

Rasouli concluded his message by extending Nowruz greetings to Iran’s maritime and port communities across the northern and southern coasts.

He expressed optimism that 1404 (2025-2026) will be a year of transformation, economic prosperity, and technological advancement for the country’s maritime sector.

PMO News Portal - With a focus on safety standards, increased transport capacity, and enhanced service quality, the PMO aims to provide a secure and pleasant maritime travel experience during the holiday season.

Expansion of the Maritime Passenger Fleet

In line with the Nowruz 2025 Maritime Travel Facilitation Plan, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development has directed the addition of two new passenger vessels, with a total capacity of 540 seats, to the Shahid Haghani Port fleet in Bandar Abbas. In total, 100 vessels—including 47 passenger ferries and 50 landing crafts—will be deployed, alongside 150 service boats on full standby. Furthermore, maritime transport capacity has been reinforced at other key ports to meet the anticipated surge in demand.

Emphasis on Safety and Maritime Travel Standards

The Deputy Minister of Transport and Acting Head of the PMO has underscored the imperative of passenger safety, stating that negligence will not be tolerated. To uphold safety standards, passenger vessels have undergone thorough technical inspections, and maritime search and rescue drills have been conducted. Additionally, emergency response teams and service personnel have been stationed at major ports to support holiday operations. All vessels are required to comply with safety regulations and obtain technical approvals before commencing operations.

Focus on Workforce and Occupational Health Standards

At a recent PMO managerial meeting, Saeed Rasouli emphasized the priority of workforce welfare, highlighting the need to improve employee working conditions. Adherence to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards across the country’s ports remains a key focus during Nowruz. Specialized training sessions have been conducted for operational and service personnel.

Special Initiatives for Ticketing Services

To streamline Nowruz travel, a round-trip ticketing system has been implemented for high-traffic routes such as Shahid Haghani Port to Hormuz and Qeshm islands, aimed at preventing congestion. Additionally, 1,300 support personnel and 150 vessels have been deployed at ports nationwide to ensure passenger safety and guidance. Several ports have introduced new amenities to improve the travel experience.

Chabahar Port’s Readiness for Nowruz Maritime Tourism

Chabahar Port is set to provide extensive services from March 15 to April 4, with 355 personnel, 14 rescue vessels, and 60 tourism boats stationed at 11 coastal tourism stations along the Makran Coast. Search and rescue operations will be on full alert to ensure maritime safety throughout the holiday period.

Coordination Meeting on Maritime Tourism Safety in Astara

A coordination session on implementing maritime tourism safety measures was held at Astara Port, attended by representatives from various agencies. Key resolutions included stricter vessel safety inspections, permitting boat operations only under favorable weather conditions, and installing safety banners. An estimated 2,700 boats and 13,412 tourists are expected to visit Astara during Nowruz 2025.

Enhancing Maritime Tourism Safety in Gilan

At a Gilan coordination meeting, measures for improving maritime tourism safety in Nowruz 2025 were outlined, including dredging of high-traffic routes, vessel safety inspections, installation of safety banners, and distribution of informational brochures. A specialized search and rescue vessel has also been added to the province’s fleet.

Amirabad Port’s Preparations for Nowruz Maritime Travel

Amirabad Port has formed special task forces, signed agreements with maritime operators, and conducted search and rescue drills to ensure safe Nowruz maritime travel. Rescue vessels and technical oversight teams remain on full alert, while public awareness campaigns targeting unauthorized vessels are also underway.

Western Hormozgan Ports on Full Alert for Nowruz 2025

Western Hormozgan ports are fully prepared for the Nowruz 2025 maritime travel season. In this regard, 29 vessels—including 17 landing crafts with a total vehicle capacity of 740 and 12 passenger vessels with 1,615 seats—have been deployed for routes to Kish Island. Search and rescue teams, technical inspection units, and four specialized rescue vessels are on full standby. The operational plan, running from March 13 to April 14, includes continuous vessel monitoring and strict adherence to safety standards. Additionally, 1,000 safety brochures and 100 safety banners will be distributed across western Hormozgan ports.

Maritime Tourism Plan in Bushehr Ports

Bushehr’s Nowruz maritime tourism plan will be implemented from March 14 to April 4, featuring stringent safety controls on vessel operations. Unauthorized vessels will be prohibited from operating, and strict compliance with designated piers and life jacket use will be enforced. Recreational maritime routes have been clearly delineated, with boat operations restricted to a maximum of two nautical miles from the shore.

Golestan Ports’ Readiness for Nowruz Maritime Travel

Golestan ports have also implemented special measures to accommodate Nowruz maritime travelers, focusing on safety across three key areas: piers, vessels, and maritime routes. Rescue vessels have been stationed at Turkmen and Bandar-e-Gaz ports, while search and rescue drills will be conducted. Real-time meteorological and maritime data exchange between Golestan and Amirabad ports has been established to enhance travel safety.

Enhancing the Quality of Nowruz 2025 Maritime Travel

The PMO is committed to ensuring not only safe and seamless maritime travel but also improving infrastructure to enhance overall travel quality. Collaboration with key entities such as the Meteorological Organization and the Navy will further strengthen maritime safety, offering travelers a secure and enjoyable experience during Nowruz 2025.

 PMO News Portal - improving telecommunications infrastructure plays a critical role in advancing navigation systems and managing vessel traffic in the area. The newly acquired equipment will enable better monitoring and faster communication for security and navigation teams. He further noted that, given the strategic importance of Western Hormozgan's ports, this development is a vital step toward accelerating maritime operations and reducing potential risks for ships and vessels. 

In addition, Amin Sadeghi, Head of Technical and Engineering Affairs for Western Hormozgan Ports, highlighted that enhanced port safety not only improves management systems but also attracts more commercial investments, boosting economic growth in the region. He stated that with the completion of these upgrades, Western Hormozgan Ports are expected to emerge as a key communication and security hub in the Persian Gulf. This move is seen as a significant step toward achieving long-term goals in maritime operations and international trade.

PMO News Portal - As part of the Nowruz Travel Facilitation Plan for the Makran coasts, various services will be provided to visitors and maritime tourists across key locations in Chabahar, including Tis and Haft-Tir Pier, as well as eastern Makran coastal areas such as Ramin, Beris, Pasabandar, and Gwatar. Western Makran coastal regions like Zarabad, Darak, Tangand  Konarak are also included in the plan.

According to Askari-Nasab, a total of 355 personnel—including administrative staff, supervisory teams, vessel crews, and rescue assistants—will be deployed for service. Additionally, 14 rescue vessels and 60 passenger and tourist vessels are prepared to accommodate travelers.

Furthermore, eight service vessels—including search-and-rescue boats, tugboats, and other utility vessels—will be operational during the implementation of the plan from March 15 to April 4, 2025. These vessels will provide tourism services as well as maritime search-and-rescue operations for citizens during the holiday period.

PMO News Portal -  a significant portion of Iran's trade with northern countries, particularly those bordering the Caspian Sea, is conducted via this maritime route.

The number of Iranian-flagged vessels has risen from 47 in 2021 to 94. This growth reflects the country's efforts to strengthen its maritime trade infrastructure.

North-South Transit Corridor in Focus

Afifipour emphasized that most of the newly added vessels are cargo ships, which will play a key role in facilitating goods transportation. He also noted the ongoing efforts to boost transit through the North-South Corridor, connecting the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. This initiative aims to increase Iran’s share of cargo movement between its northern ports and other Caspian Sea nations.

Fleet Modernization 

Addressing concerns about fleet age, Afifipour stated that while Caspian Sea vessels face unique size and operational constraints compared to those in open seas, their age does not hinder trade. He assured that all vessels comply with national and international technical standards for safe operations.

Afifipour also acknowledged that fleet age is an important developmental indicator in maritime transport but reiterated that it does not pose a significant barrier to Iran’s shipping activities.

Caspian Sea Water Level Decline Raises Concerns

On another note, Afifipour confirmed the ongoing decline in Caspian Sea water levels. He revealed that extensive studies have been conducted by Iran and other Caspian-bordering nations to understand this phenomenon. A joint commission is being planned to address water level reduction, its causes, and potential solutions.

In response to this challenge, measures such as relocating docks have been initiated by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization to ensure continued maritime operations despite falling water levels.

PMO News Portal – Iran’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Seyed Ali Mousavi, met with Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Transport and Acting Head of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) in Tehran. 

The key agenda of the meeting was to discuss expanding and strengthening Iran’s cooperation with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 

During the meeting, Mousavi, who has previously served as a legal advisor and diplomatic liaison at the Iranian Embassy in London, emphasized the crucial role of Iran’s permanent representation at IMO headquarters in London. He highlighted the significance of IMO's role in regulating international maritime standards and how Iran can further enhance its engagement with the organization to improve maritime safety, environmental protection, and seafarer training standards. 

IMO-PMO Collaboration

the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) plays a vital role in the implementation of IMO’s international regulations, including safety standards like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), environmental policies like MARPOL (Marine Pollution Prevention), and certification guidelines such as STCW (Seafarers' Training and Certification). 

Rasouli reiterated Iran’s commitment to maritime diplomacy, emphasizing Iran's active participation in key IMO committees, including the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) and the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The PMO is responsible for ensuring compliance with IMO’s global maritime regulations, playing an essential role in upholding international safety standards and advancing the country’s maritime capabilities on a global scale.

 Iran’s diplomatic presence in the UK has a critical role in advancing Iran’s maritime interests.  Mousavi’s deep expertise in international maritime affairs is expected to facilitate Iran’s involvement in IMO-led reforms, maritime security initiatives, and environmental protection measures, which are vital for improving global maritime trade. 

This meeting marks an essential milestone in strengthening Iran’s global maritime position, enhancing cooperation within IMO, and expanding Iran’s influence in shaping international maritime policies, ensuring the country’s active participation in discussions about maritime safety and sustainability.

PMO News Portal - Mohammad Shakibinasab, Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Bushehr Province, stated: During the aforementioned period, the amount of container transportation from the ports of the province has also increased by 14 percent to 132,885 containers.

He stated: The volume of unloading and loading operations in Bushehr Port has increased by 46.6 percent to five million and 445 thousand tons.

The Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Bushehr Province continued: The amount of imports from the ports of the province has also increased by 51 percent and reached one million and 210 thousand and 672 tons, and the amount of transit has also been reported with a growth of 22.5 times

He added: The main transit goods in the ports of Bushehr Province include petroleum products, food, construction goods and household appliances, respectively.

PMO News Portal - Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, announced the implementation of models to support private sector investment in the field of transportation and changing processes to strengthen and facilitate the presence of this sector in the development of fleets and infrastructure as two government plans in the field of transportation. Saeed Rasouli, who was recently appointed by the Minister of Roads and Urban Development as the head of the Ports and Maritime Organization, announced the development of various scenarios for the growth of the maritime economy if sanctions continue.

PMO News Portal - Ali Abdul-Alizadeh, while visiting Amirabad Port, referred to the plans for developing a sea-based economy stated: "Given the agreement between the governments of Iran and Russia to exchange up to 40 million tons of goods between the two countries through import, export, or transit, these transactions certainly require strengthening and developing infrastructure."

Representative for the Development of the Sea-Based Economy noted: Currently, the country's northern ports in the Caspian Sea have a capacity of between 20 and 25 million tons of goods for operations and transit, and to increase it to 40 million tons, we must use road and rail terminals in addition to developing port infrastructure.