PMO News Portal - Led by First Deputy Minister Umario Mamanbi, the Uzbek delegation became the first international group to visit Iran’s largest commercial port in the new Iranian year. The three-member team also included senior officials from the Ministry’s International Relations and Logistics Department and the Center for Transport Studies.

Talks on Logistics Hub Development

During the visit, Uzbek officials held meetings with senior port authorities to assess prospects for Uzbek companies to invest in the establishment of logistics centers within the port complex.

The delegation toured key infrastructure, including container terminals, rail facilities, and ongoing development projects, gaining firsthand insight into the port’s operational and logistical capabilities.

Strengthening Regional Transport Links

A formal meeting with the Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Hormozgan Province focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in transport and regional transit. Shahid Rajaee Port serves as Iran’s main commercial gateway on the Persian Gulf, strategically positioned for trade with Central Asia.

Growing Rail Connectivity to Uzbekistan

The visit followed recent cargo shipments from Shahid Rajaee to Uzbekistan, including a major consignment of 44 wagons of sponge iron briquettes—each carrying 68 tons. Direct rail access from the port to inland destinations plays a vital role in transit, export, and import flows to and from Uzbekistan.

PMO News Portal - The inspections, conducted from 1 September to 30 November 2024, focused on seafarers' employment agreements and wage-related provisions under the MLC. According to the Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran (PMO), nearly all inspected vessels were found to be in conformity with MLC standards.

Over 1,100 Ships Inspected Across the Region

AllahMorad Afifipour, Director General of Maritime Affairs at the PMO, confirmed that a total of 1,116 ships flying 59 different flags were inspected under the campaign. He noted that the high compliance rate reflects ongoing efforts by port authorities to ensure decent working and living conditions for seafarers.

Iran's Active Role as a Port State

Afifipour emphasized Iran’s continued active participation in regional port state control initiatives. “Targeted inspections serve as a key mechanism to monitor the condition of foreign-flagged vessels entering our ports,” he said, stressing Iran’s commitment to international maritime conventions.

Corrective Measures for Non-Compliant Vessels

The PMO stated that while most vessels complied with MLC requirements, findings from the CIC are being reviewed by relevant authorities. Specific action plans will be developed to address any deficiencies identified on flagged vessels, ensuring full adherence to international maritime labour standards.

The Indian Ocean MoU is one of the nine regional port state control agreements worldwide. It aims to eliminate substandard shipping through coordinated inspection campaigns among its member countries.

PMO News Portal - Bushehr Port alone handled 6.5 million tons of cargo during the year, marking a 40% year-on-year increase and the highest annual volume in the port’s history, according to Mohammad Shekibinasab, Director General of Bushehr Ports and Maritime Administration. Containerized cargo throughput reached 75,000 TEUs, up 34% compared to the previous year.

Transit Volumes Break 15-Year Record

Foreign transit cargo through Bushehr Port soared to 1.15 million tons—exceeding the province’s cumulative transit volume over the past 15 years. Officials attributed this growth to the activation of the port’s new Negin Terminal. The terminal also registered a 15-fold increase in the transit of petroleum derivatives, while over 3,000 imported vehicles were handled during the year.

Strategic Infrastructure and Investment Boosts

Bushehr Port launched a new mineral export terminal in 1403, and the access road to Negin Terminal is nearing completion. Over IRR 23 trillion in domestic investment contracts have been signed for Negin Terminal, with more than 10 qualified investors currently engaged.

Environmental clearance was also granted for the terminal’s development project, removing key regulatory barriers for future investments.

Expansion Plans and Regional Connectivity

The Iranian cabinet approved dredging plans for Bushehr’s main access channel to accommodate 50,000-ton vessels. Additional works include construction of new berths and warehouses at Negin Terminal. Dredging operations alongside existing quays are scheduled to begin this year, with an estimated 800,000 cubic meters of sediment to be removed.

International Passenger Terminal Comes Online

The Shahid Haghgoo International Maritime Passenger Terminal was inaugurated to support regional ferry services, maritime tourism, and the Bushehr–Kharg route. The facility’s dredged basin enabled the docking of Iran’s largest Ro-Pax vessel during its first operational phase.

Qatar Investment in Dayyer Port

Shekibinasab also announced that Qatari investment in Dayyer Port has progressed, with development plans positioning the port as a potential export hub for Iran to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.

PMO News Portal - According to Saeed Khorsandi, Director General of PMO’s IT and Communications Department, the IPAS system is part of Iran’s broader strategy to enhance maritime digitalization in line with national directives emphasizing sea-oriented development and smart port initiatives.

The system is designed to streamline port operations by digitizing all service processes, improving oversight, and boosting satisfaction among port stakeholders and cargo owners.

Enhanced Functionality and Real-Time Tracking

Khorsandi noted that IPAS allows cargo stakeholders to submit all requests electronically and track the status of cargo—by land or sea—in real time. The platform ensures fully integrated communication among port community members and promotes standardized procedures across all Iranian ports.

He highlighted key benefits, including improved regulatory responsiveness, software and data integration, and the modernization of PMO’s operational systems.

Compliance, Integration, and Performance Monitoring

The system’s design incorporates international standards such as ISO and UN frameworks. It also features performance dashboards, real-time inventory tracking for goods and containers, and integrated logistics and warehousing oversight.

PMO has collaborated with port experts nationwide to refine processes and develop unified service models through extensive consultation.

Call for Platform-Based Efficiency

Adel Deris, Director General of Port Affairs at PMO, emphasized the need to move toward platform-based systems to maximize infrastructure investments and enhance service performance. He said the IPAS rollout followed a comprehensive two-year process review and system design, now being aligned with operational needs by specialists.

Deris stressed that IPAS will help reduce service and turnaround times for vessels and boost port agility.

Improving Customer Experience Through Single-Window Integration

Hossein Younesi, Director General of Gilan Ports and Maritime Administration, said the system will improve oversight of cargo entry, discharge, and inland transportation. He added that the integration of IPAS with customs, terminal, and national trade platforms will significantly streamline import, export, and transit operations.

Younesi described the system as a major step toward customer-oriented port operations, noting that a unified service window will accelerate workflows and enhance cargo owner satisfaction

PMO News Portal – Containerized cargo operations saw a significant 30% increase, with 87,611 TEUs handled during the 12-month period, reflecting strong growth in port efficiency and container traffic.

Rise in Essential Goods unloading

Abotaleb Geraylou, Director General of Khuzestan Ports and Maritime Administration, stated that over 19.2 million tons of imported bulk commodities, including essential goods, minerals, and chemicals, were unloaded at the port—a 9% increase compared to the previous year. He noted that essential goods alone accounted for more than 15 million tons, also reflecting a 9% growth.

Growth in Mineral and Transit Cargo

More than 4.6 million tons of mineral cargo were handled during the period, up by 4% year-on-year. transit cargo volumes also rose by 4%, reaching nearly 3.83 million tons.

Strategic Role in National Supply Chain

As one of Iran’s major commercial hubs, Imam Khomeini Port Special Economic Zone plays a critical role in importing strategic goods and industrial raw materials. Its growing capacity and consistent performance strengthen its position within Iran’s maritime logistics chain.

PMO News Portal – Hossein Abbasnejad, Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Hormozgan Province, said the vessel is set to load 44,000 tons of bitumen from one of the oil terminals at the Port of the Persian Gulf.

The tanker, measuring 183 meters in length with a draft of 12.5 meters, is the first major oil vessel to dock at Shahid Rajaee Port this year.

Rise in Tanker Operations

Abbasnejad noted that, during the last Iranian year (ended March 2024), a total of 1,444 oil tankers conducted loading and unloading operations at Shahid Rajaee Port and the Port of the Persian Gulf, marking a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year.

Strategic Role of Persian Gulf Oil Port

Located within the Shahid Rajaee Special Economic Zone, the Persian Gulf Oil Port serves as Iran’s largest oil terminal operated by the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). Its strategic position along the North-South transit corridor and proximity to industrial and refinery complexes enhance its importance.

The port features 12 berths and handles a variety of petroleum products, including gasoline, gas oil, fuel oil, bitumen, kerosene, furfural, and various oils.

Essential Commodities Also Handled

Since the beginning of the current Iranian year (March 20, 2025), two vessels carrying essential commodities—edible oil and barley—have also berthed at Shahid Rajaee Port.

PMO News Portal – During the year, PMO-managed ports processed 82.3 million tons of oil cargo and 152.5 million tons of non-oil goods. In total, 103 million tons of oil and 131.8 million tons of non-oil cargo were handled, contributing to the overall total.

In container operations, PMO recorded 3.1 million TEUs handled in 1403, a 13% increase from the previous year’s total of 2.7 million TEUs. This growth highlights the expansion of container capacity and improved port efficiency.

The figures underline Iran's growing importance as a key hub for regional and global trade, with increasing port capacity and operational efficiency in both general and containerized cargo sectors.

PMO News Portal – Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, Farzaneh Sadegh, and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Prime Minister, Shahin Mustafayev, discussed the preparation of maritime MoUs during a bilateral meeting. The discussions took place alongside the 16th session of the Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Commission.

Focus on Port and Maritime Cooperation

The meeting, attended by Saeed Rasouli, Acting Head of Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), highlighted the role of a joint transport committee. The committee will oversee drafting agreements covering port operations and maritime activities between the two countries.

Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing commercial ties and finalizing documents ahead of an upcoming presidential visit. Presidents from both nations are expected to sign the agreements in the coming weeks.

Broader Transport and Trade Initiatives

During the three-day visit, Sadegh and Mustafayev also reviewed previous agreements under the Joint Economic Commission. They achieved new understandings in areas such as trade exchanges, transport, oil, gas, and energy cooperation.

Sadegh confirmed that documents related to border management, transport, customs, trade, ports, and maritime affairs will be finalized before President Masoud Pezeshkian’s visit to Azerbaijan.

Establishment of Joint Transport Committee

Sadegh announced that a joint Iran-Azerbaijan transport committee will be formed in the coming weeks. The committee will hold regular meetings to expedite joint projects across rail, road, air, and maritime sectors.

She highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen transit cooperation, citing the countries’ close coordination over recent years. Both governments aim to open a new chapter of development following the Iranian President’s visit.

PMO News Portal - Iranian delegates are attending the session both in person and virtually after contributing to three preceding intersessional meetings (ISWG-GHG 18, ISWG-GHG 19, and ISWG-APEE 1). During these meetings, Iran submitted three specialized technical statements supporting international environmental initiatives.

MEPC’s Role in Global Maritime Policies

The MEPC serves as the IMO’s key decision-making body for policies aimed at preventing and controlling marine pollution caused by shipping activities. It plays a crucial role in developing, adopting, and enforcing international maritime regulations.

Focus Areas of MEPC 83

Key topics under discussion at MEPC 83 include the development of a global "Net Zero" framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships, reviewing short-term energy-efficiency measures based on the Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), and evaluating Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) ratings.

Addressing Marine Litter and Air Pollution

Other major agenda items include the adoption of the 2025 Action Plan to combat marine plastic litter, advancing amendments to the Ballast Water Management Convention, and exploring solutions to prevent air pollution such as controlling NOx emissions and black carbon. The committee will also discuss technical revisions to the NOx Technical Code aimed at optimizing fuel consumption and minimizing emissions.

Impact on the Global Shipping Industry

Decisions made at MEPC 83 are expected to directly impact global shipping operations, accelerate the maritime industry's green transition, and reinforce the IMO’s pivotal role in protecting the marine environment.

PMO News Portal - Highlighting recent achievements, Sadegh noted substantial growth in maritime travel. “90 percent of marine trips were conducted via Bandar Abbas and Qeshm. With the addition of two new passenger vessels, we have seen strong public demand,” she stated.

She added that plans are underway to expand the passenger vessel fleet to further stimulate marine tourism. “Our maritime economy strategy focuses mainly on the southern coasts, including Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, and other provinces along the southern borders,” Sadegh said. “We are drafting a comprehensive plan to promote the southern coastline with a maritime economic approach.”

Makran Coastline Development

Sadegh announced plans for dredging the Arvand River to facilitate the navigation of larger vessels to Khorramshahr Port. “This project will significantly boost the local economies of Khuzestan, Khorramshahr, and Abadan, located along the Arvand River,” she added.

The Minister also stressed the importance of developing the Makran coastline as a cornerstone for advancing the maritime economy.She mentioned ongoing agreements aimed at increasing the number of vessels to support passenger and tourism growth.

Upgrading Northern Ports and Regional Cooperation

Sadegh reported the commencement of dredging operations at Astara Port on the Caspian Sea. “Although northern ports have considerable potential, improving service quality remains essential,” she emphasized.

She also referred to the recent Caspian Sea summit, where Iran’s proposal to create a comprehensive maritime database and joint information-sharing platform among littoral states was approved.

Sadegh highlighted that enhancing the quality of the maritime transport fleet for both cargo and passengers is the ministry priority.

 “The development of Chabahar must primarily benefit local communities and their livelihoods. Current development efforts are proceeding in cooperation with Indian partners.”, she highlighted Regarding Chabahar Port.

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.