PMO News Portal - "Fortunately, the wheels of the
country's maritime transport, shipping and port industries have not stopped and
activities have continued around the clock," Mohammad Rastad said at the
World Maritime Day commemoration ceremony.
He continued: "Although there were problems in regard
with changing the crew, but we did our best to resolve the issue.
Referring to the theme of World Maritime Day entitled "Sustainable
Shipping for a Sustainable Planet", the Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban
Development stated that the protection of the marine environment is commendable
and in our country, necessary measures has been taken in line with
environmental requirements.
Referring to the implementation of low-sulfur fuel supply,
Rastad said: "Fortunately, we were able to adapt our fleet in this regard,
although we still need to build capacity to provide fuel for the foreign fleet
entering the country's ports. Also, the issue of ballast water management is
well considered in the country with the sincere cooperation of shipping
companies and the provision of facilities and supplies by the Ports and
Maritime Organization.”
Due to created internal capacities, we have been able to
answer our needs in the country, and the Ports and Maritime Organization relied
on the internal capacity in term of operational fleet and required equipment.
Rastad also pointed out the necessity to be alert of
maritime developments, stating: "Self-propelled smart ships are predicted
to be in service by 2025. In this regard, we must be able to have proper
management and consider the possibility of accepting such vessels in domestic
ports.
Referring to the comprehensive plan for commercial ports and
the integrated coastal management plan, the Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban
Development said: "Our approach is to pay serious attention to the issue
of adapting to the demand of the World Shipping. We seek to gain our share of
maritime trade in the region and the world. We have also considered the plan to
organize small ports in three phases during a 5-year plan.