As announced last month by the head of Ports and Maritime
Organization (PMO), the capacity of Iranian ports is expected to increase to
280 million tons by the end of the current government's incumbency, Mohammad Rastad
put the current loading and unloading capacity of the country’s ports at 250
million tons.
“We have signed 300 contracts with the private sector for
conducting development projects including the construction of structures,
equipment, and even infrastructure in ports,” Rastad said.
According to the official the private sector has currently
invested over 160 trillion rials (about $3.8 billion) in the country’s ports.
Mentioning the restrictions created by the U.S. sanctions in
the country’s ports and maritime activities, the official said: “In all areas
which were affected by the U.S. sanctions we tried to rely on domestic
capacities and managed to keep the ports active and the country’s imports and
exports afloat.”
The capacity, infrastructure, and equipment of the ports
have made it possible for them to be able to load and unload goods in
accordance with international standards, he stressed.
“For all kinds of goods and all types of vessels, including
light to heavy goods and also super-sized commodities and vessels, there are
berths and special terminals in the country that can provide the necessary
services,” Rastad added.
The official put the total length of the Iranian port
wharves at 39 kilometers, saying that this has made it possible for different
types of ships and vessels to be able to dock and load or unload their cargoes.
stating that with the implementation of ongoing development
projects, Shahid Rajaei Port will be upgraded to a third generation port, The managing
director of Ports and Maritime Organization, said: "We are looking to
complete the equipment in Chabahar Port next year."