Head of the local branch of Iran’s Ports and Maritime
Organization (PMO) in Bushehr said that the port will add four new wharfs,
including one where cruise ships can dock, as part of preparations to welcome
World Cup visitors.
Mohammad Shakibi Nasab said that the port will also expand
its asphalt area by 30,000 kilometers to allow better processing of passengers
and vehicles during the World Cup season. Shakibi Nasab said that the Iranian
Oil Ministry will earmark extra fuel quotas to ships travelling between Iran
and Qatar over the period.
He said that the PMO prepares to sign an agreement with
Qatari officials to declare Bushehr and Qatari port of Ar-Ruʼays as sister
ports.
Iran has capitalized on tourism opportunities that could
arise from the World Cup tournament which will be held in Qatar from November
21 to December 18.
A senior Qatari government delegation visited the southern
Iranian island of Kish in early April to tour the tourism and transportation
facilities in the area.
PMO’s Shakibi Nasab said that Bushehr will strengthen its
search and rescue arrangements during the World Cup to help Qatar with better
management of maritime accidents.