Shahid Rajaee Port Complex is Iran’s largest and most
advanced port facility, serving as a critical maritime gateway for the
country’s international trade. Strategically located in Hormozgan Province,
near Bandar Abbas on the Persian Gulf coast, the port plays a pivotal role in
regional and global logistics, particularly as a hub on the International
North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).
Shahid Rajaee Port is Situated in Hormozgan province, within
Bandar Abbas County, directly on the Persian Gulf coast. The distance from port
to Tehran, Iran’s capital, is Approximately 1,350 kilometers. The port is Only
20 kilometers from the city of Bandar Abbas, ensuring easy access to urban
infrastructure and services.
Capabilities
and Advantages
Import and Export of Goods
Shahid Rajaee handles the majority of Iran’s import and
export operations, processing over 75–83 million tons of freight annually,
including both oil and non-oil goods. The port is responsible for 85–90% of
Iran’s container traffic and over half of the country’s total trade volume. Goods
handled include industrial machinery, agricultural and food products, minerals,
petrochemical products, and general containerized shipments.
Strategic Access and Connectivity
The port Proximity to Bandar Abbas International Airport
allows for seamless multimodal transport, while it enjoys legal and operational
advantages as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and its proximity to the Free
Trade Zones (FTZ) of Kish and Qeshm Islands, enhances its appeal for investors
and traders. Direct access to open waters of the Persian Gulf also maximizes
maritime transport efficiency.
International Transit and Trade
Shahid Rajaee is positioned on the main route of
international transit corridors, especially the INSTC, facilitating efficient
movement of goods to Central Asia, the Caucasus, the Persian Gulf and Gulf of
Oman regions, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. The port is directly connected
by both rail and road to Central Asian countries and the Russian Federation,
supporting robust overland trade.
Industrial Integration
The port complex is close to major industrial centers,
including steel plants, refineries, shipyards, and factories producing
aluminum, copper, and other key commodities. The port supports the country’s
industrial exports and imports, providing a critical link between production
centers and international markets.
Modern Infrastructure and Facilities
Shahid Rajaee port is Equipped with exclusive railway lines
and modern loading/unloading equipment, including two specialized container
terminals with a depth of 17 meters, suitable for large vessels. The port
complex enjoys dedicated terminals for fuel transit and bunkering, containers,
general cargo, petrochemical products, and minerals, in addition to advanced
infrastructure networks for water, power, telecommunications, IT, and surface
water discharge.
Business and Investment Opportunities
Shahid Rajaee Port complex offers favorable land for
logistics, industrial, oil, petrochemical, and service activities, often
delegated to the private sector through Build-Operate-Own-Transfer (BOOT) and
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) contracts. Comprehensive banking, credit,
insurance, and customs services are also available on-site, streamlining
business operations for domestic and international stakeholders.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan Investment in Shahid Rajaee
Port Logistics
A high-level delegation from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of
Transport visited Shahid Rajaee Port to explore potential investment
opportunities in port logistics and bilateral transit cooperation in April,
2025.
The Kazakh ambassador to Iran, accompanied by an economic
delegation from this country, visited various parts of Shahid Rajaee Port in
2024 and called for further trade relations in the maritime and port sectors
between this large commercial port and Kazakhstan, stating that that Kazakh
investors are ready to invest in the maritime and port sectors at Shahid Rajaee
Port.
123% increase in rail transit at Shahid Rajaee Port
Shahid Rajaee Port, as the largest commercial port in Iran,
recorded a 123 percent increase in transit of goods via rail in 2024 with a
performance of 1 million 77 thousand 728 tons of various types of goods.
Role in Iran’s Maritime and Economic Development
Shahid Rajaee Port Complex is the backbone of Iran’s port
infrastructure, handling the majority of the country’s containerized cargo and
a significant portion of bulk and general cargo traffic. Its integration with
national and international transport networks positions it as a vital node for
Iran’s trade with Europe, Asia, and neighboring countries.
The port’s ongoing development, investment incentives, and
strategic location continue to attract domestic and foreign investors,
contributing to Iran’s economic growth and its emergence as a regional
logistics hub.