and packaging factory, a 50,000 square 50,000 a factory,packaging and This complexincludesasugarpurification investment amounting to Rls. 1,896 billion. an with and tons million 1 of capacity annual the with Port, Khomeini Imam at construction of a sugar purification complex The two parties have signed a contract for Iran. southern Province, Khuzestan Ports andShippingGeneralDirectorateof the and Company Fars’ Khalij-e Novin-e Contents IMO’s Response to Current Environmental Challenges...... Six New Tugboats Join PSOFleet...... Chabahar Expansion Project Launched...... Iran-Turkey Agreed on Developing Marine Transit Ties...... Caspian Sea: the Largest Inland Reservoir...... Iran and Denmark Insist on Joint Maritime Cooperation...... Private Investments in Ports Increase...... has been clinched between ‘Shekar- between clinched been has largest rivate investment sector’s deal Investment inPortSector Private Sector’sLargest will beexported. products its of majority the while region, Gulf Persian the in centers distributing important sugar purification, packaging and will lead to construction of one of the most project This created. be will jobs indirect construction of this complex 600 direct and the with studies, recent to According well as a mechanized transference system. year, and an 18-megawatt power plant, as per tons million 2 of capacity operational the with berth a warehouse, meter ...... expected to take three years to complete. to years takethree to expected is tons, million one of capacity production annual an with factory, The quality. in Imam Khomeini Port will have the highest Rezaei promised that products of the factory how toconstructthefactory. months ago to import equipments and know- sugar companies, the German BMA AG, six leading Europe’s of one with agreement an companyreached his that said Rezaei project, the Aref of Moreover,director the percent. 150 by target the of ahead is Organization the said Sate’i (2005-2010), in theFourthFive-Year DevelopmentPlan Referring to the Rls.-4,000-billion target set 1,500 billionofinvestments. Rls. another for sector private with way under are negotiations him, to According years. two past the in entrepreneurs private by projects in billion 8,500 Rls. The result, he said, was investment of over regulations easier." the made and incentives with investors investments. So the Organization provided "To achieve this objective, we need private centers for industrial and logistic activities. to commodities discharging and loading change the usage of ports from a place for to 2005, since tried, has Organization and Shipping Organization (PSO) said the Ports the of M.D. Deputy Sate'i, Reza Ali Supplement toPort&SeaMagazine ...... 5 ...... 9 ...... 3 ...... 2 ...... 11 ...... 8 ...... 4 In TheNameofGod No.2/Sep- Oct,2007 ISSN :1023-5957 PSO

PSO news/No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 1 News

Chabahar Expansion Project Launched

he operations of Phase One to expand the Chabahar Port Ali Taheri, the Managing Director of the Ports and Shipping got officially on the way during a ceremony attended by the Organization pointed to the advantages and the increasing transit Minister of Roads and Transportation and the Managing Director potentials of the country in view of the need to have access to open of the Ports and Shipping Organization. seas for added contacts with the outside world and growth of export The project included dredging of 17.5 million m3 of material from and said: "On this basis it was decided to transform Chabahar into the seabed to form a deep-water approach channel and harbor the fourth economical pole of the country." basin, reclamation of 200 hectares for the terminal area, approximately He said: "The Ports and Shipping Organization has engaged domestic 1600m of breakwater extension, construction of a 600m multi- and foreign consultants to undertake studies essential for preparing purpose berth and a 600m container berth, paving the Chahbahar Port's Master Plan. These included the studies on of 64 hectares for terminal together with supplying of four market, port design, models for loading and discharge systems and post-panamax quayside container cranes and 12 rubber tyred gantry project phasing, leading finally to a Master Plan until the target year cranes. of 2030." During the ceremony, the Minister of Roads and Transportation According to Taheri, following the completion of studies, the project stressed the importance of reactivating the Chabahar Port and said: was tendered as International Competitive Bidding according "Access to open waters depends on the reactivation of this region, to international standards, and the Khatam Ol Anbia Base and through this we can develop the southeast region of the country won the contract at a price of USD 340 million beating domestic and the Province of Sistan and Baluchistan." and international consortiums from Japan, China and South Korea. He announced that the plan would be operative in three years and Quoting the figure for project implementation as USD 340 million, stressed: "If funds are made available sooner, we would be in a he added: "The implementation of the plan, the construction of position to finish the project in two years." piers and breakwaters, dredging and removing sediments will

2 increase the port's capacity, allowing even ships of up to 100,000 DWT to berth." Stressing the deployment of appropriate cargo handling equipment in the region, Taheri said: "This amount of investment is unique in the region and this type of action was unprecedented in the Province." He expressed hope that the plan to develop and prosper Chabahar would transform it into the Gateway to Iran. Taheri also announced the news of the Indians' and Russians' interest to invest in the Corridor and hoped that it would be realized soon. The Managing Director of the Ports and Shipping Organization said: /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO "The Port of Chabahar has been designed and founded on the basis of its transit situation, and will achieve the objectives of 6 million tons capacity set for Phase One in the market studies, playing a major role in facilitating business between Central and Southeast Asia."

MEPC 56 Names Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman Special Sea Area

uring its 56th Session held from including the mangrove forests and the Conventions, the regional states including 13 July 2007 in London, the Marine coral reefs, and the existence of precious Iran, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Environment Protection Committee shallow water fishes, shrimps, turtles, Emirates, the Saudi Arabia and Kuwait (MEPC) named the Persian Gulf and the marine mammals such as dolphins and have, through the document MEPC56/8/2, Gulf of Oman as Special Sea Area. valuable migrating and indigenous birds, jointly requested the IMO's Main A Special Sea Area refers to an area where the International Maritime Organization Committee known as MEPC as the main strict control of shipping activities is needed (IMO) accepted the littoral states' requests authority for handling requests for SA due to particular oceanic conditions, heavy and agreed to enforce special regulations Status to review the case and take the shipping movements and high to prevent pollution in the Persian Gulf necessary action after having verified the environmental sensitivity. and the Oman Sea. compliance with conditions stated in the The United Nations Convention on the To enforce the special regulation of these Convention. Law of the Sea (UNCLOS, 1982) has areas, the littoral states must adopt The regulations stipulated in articles 15 provided the coastal countries the the regulations in Annexes I and V to and 34 of the Annex I and Article 5 of right to clearly define their Special MARPOL 73/78. Annex V to MARPOL 73/78 set stricter (sensitive) Sea Areas within their The two main criteria in this respect are restrictions on discharge of oily wastes exclusive–economical territory, by the ratification of MARPOL 73/78 by the and other materials by ships, which are submitting the full details. Persian Gulf States and the provision of not applied outside the Special Area. Given the annual movement of reception facilities for wastes, oil and oily Nonetheless, the new regulations are approximately 40,000 vessels, the mixtures and waste water from the ships considered as an important and valuable extensive exploration of oil reserves from in the region. accomplishment towards protection of the the sea, the sensitive marine habitats Through conditions created in the regional environment. News

Witnessed by Roads and Transportation and Defense Ministers: Six New Tugboats Join PSO Fleet

ith the completion of design and construction of six 1200 HP tugboats by the Maritime Industries Division of the Ministry of Defense (Shahid Tamjidi), the launching ceremonies of these boasts were held in the Port of Anzali in the presence of the Minister of Defense, the Minister of Roads and Transportation, the Managing Director of Ports and Shipping Organization and a number of people's representatives in the Islamic Consultative Council. The mentioned tugs have three functions of "berthing ships", "towing vessels" and "maritime fire fighting", and are fully equipped with the state-of-the-art safety equipment and navigation-communication systems. The six boats named FEREIDOONKENAR, ALAM KOOH, MIANKALEH, MASOOLEH, VALASHT and CASPIAN, built on special order of the Ports and Shipping Organization in the Shahid Tamjidi Maritime Industries will be deployed in the northern ports of Iran (in the Caspian Sea). It is worth mentioning that the tugboats were built by Iranian experts and engineers under the supervision and approval of B.V., the French Classification Society. Mostafa Najjar – the Minister of Defense – said during the launching ceremony of the tugboats: "Each boat has a length of 25m, width of 7.25m and draught of 2.65m. They are equipped with 2 engines reaching a top speed of 11 knots. A sum of 12,280,000 Euros was invested to build these boats." The Minister of Defense added that the boats are equipped with VHS–SSB–GPS and NAVTEX communication system, echo sounder, radar and direction finders. The tugboats' engines were built by MANN Co. of Germany, and their motors and generators by VOLVO of Sweden and STAMFORD UK. Each boat is equipped with two generators of 60,127 A power. He also stressed the importance of developing and strengthening the national maritime fleet in the proven their worth in this domain, Taheri referred to the PSO's Caspian Sea. privatization drive and said: "In the last two decades, PSO has In the ceremony, Ali Taheri guaranteed PSO's support of the maritime shown to be the leading organization in privatization, and one can industries and cited the construction of over 116 vessels either mention the construction of the first buoy laying vessel, passenger through joint venture with foreign concerns or built 100% domestically ships and tugboats by the private sector." at a total value of Rls. 2,720 billion as the proof of the Organization's He added: "Moreover, 97 passenger ships were built or are under 3 commitment towards maritime industries. construction through administered funds, out of which 15 ships have Stating that the Shahid Tamjidi Maritime Industries Group have been delivered and 16 more are due for delivery by September." /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO

With the Objective of Activating NOSTRAC: Iranian Study Group Visit Indian Transportation Infrastructure

he NOSTRAC Study Group of Iran met with representative Shipping Lines presented the NOSTRAC Secretariat with their of India's marine, rail and road transportation brokerage report on their eight-day visit to India, with the objective of removing companies and inspected the ports and transportation infrastructure obstacles facing the NOSTRAC Corridor towards the implementation during an 8-day visit to India. of the Iran – India bilateral agreement for transportation of Indian This trip follows a decision made by the NOSTRAC Planning Council export goods to Russia, North Europe and Scandinavia through to dispatch study groups from India, the Islamic Republic of Iran Iran, as well as expansion of ties among NOSTRAC member and Russia to member States to inspect the transportation states. infrastructures as well as the transportation and transit potentials It should be mentioned that at the first stage, the Indian Study of the relevant countries. Group visited Iran in the year 2004 to prepare a comprehensive Accordingly each study group is to prepare a report for activation report on the facilities and the rail, road and port infrastructures of the NOSTRAC Corridor after studying the potential transit capacities on the Bandar Abbas to Amirabad and Anzali route on the path of of each country and identification of obstacles and issues related cargo transited from the Indian Subcontinent to Russia, North to the Corridor and to provide applicable solutions to these problems. Europe and Scandinavia. In this context, the Iranian Study Group composed of representatives The result of the findings in the report was submitted to the Iranian from the Ports and Shipping Organization, the Road Transportation transportation organizations and stakeholders to remove the obstacles and Maintenance Organization and the Islamic Republic of Iran and increase the facilities and the road, rail and port capacities. Perspective

Iran-Turkey Agreed on Developing Marine Transit Ties

ran and Turkish maritime officials within the next three months. The two trading expressed readiness in providing attended the First Port-Maritime parties expressed support for further facilities in the following fields: Cooperation Joint Committee on cooperation and signing an MoU between -To invest in the Tank Farm storage tanks. September 4-6 2007. the two classification companies. -To invest in chartering & buying vessels The Conference was held according to the In the meeting National Iranian Tanker -To make a joint venture company and articles of the MoU of 19th Joint Company (NITC) requested Turkish ship commence business abruptly Commission between the IR of Iran and building companies to deliver better -To facilitate the L.S.G.O & H.S.F.O bunkering Republic of Turkey. services in repairing oil tankers of NITC. of the vessels The Iranian delegation, headed by Eng. Moreover the Bana Gostare-Karaneh The Turkish side also visited the Shahid Gh. Sasani, Director General of Transit & (BGK) Marine Bunkering Company as one Rajaee Port Complex and ship building Tariff of the Ports and Shipping of the active companies in Bunkering and companies in Bandar Abbas. Organization (PSO) of Iran, and the Turkish delegation, Headed by Sn. Sami Kabas, Director General of the Shipbuilding and Shipyards of the Republic of Turkey stress the necessity of expanding commercial marine transportation and transit ties. Both sides after evaluating the level of ties in ports and maritime cooperation between the two countries, discussed and exchanged information based on the Joint Committee's program. During the meeting The Iranian side introduced general information and specifications of Iranian ports and foreign investment opportunities in ports and port development projects such as vast back- up areas; berth and basin construction projects; the construction of oil and 4 petrochemical import and export facilities; developing container, refer, general cargo and transit terminals and added value activities; building, processing and reexport products as well as ship building and repair yards. During the meeting the Iranian side handed over a draft MoU "Concerning the recognition of certificates of competency for service", and delivered a report about

/No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO joint cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Turkey for the development of transit transportation. In this report, investment opportunities and advantages of Transit between Europe, the Indian Sub-Continent, South East Asia through corridors, Iranian Transit ports and Turkey was introduced. The Turkish side introduced the facilities in the Lake Van, including the rail around the lake and the two ferry boat quays for the transport of vehicles. The private companies representatives also effectively attended the meeting's discussion : During the meeting Sadra Company, as one of the active Iranian private companies in the construction of commercial and service vessels and tankers and also in the supply of parts and repairing of vessels was introduced and It was proposed that active Turkish vessel construction and repair companies have bilateral cooperation with Sadra Co. This cooperation can be on a particular agreement basis or joint agreements to use the facilities of one another. The Iranian side introduced the Asia Classification Society as the classification company of the Islamic Republic of Iran and requested a bilateral meeting between the mentioned company and Turkey's classification company (Turk Loydu Vakfi) News

Private Investments in Ports Increase

li Reza Sate'i, Member of the Board and PSO Deputy M.D. for Ports and Special Zones Affairs in a news conference predicted the volume of private investment to reach Rls. 25,000 billion by the end of the Fourth Plan. He added: "According to the Fourth Economic Plan, PSO must increase the investment of the private sector from Rls. 2,000 billion to Rls. 4,000 billion by the end of the Plan. In this context and through facilities and creating trust, PSO has been able to attract Rls. 10,000 billion in investment, which means we are in advance at a rate of 1.5 times the planned schedule." He stressed: "Our ports have a high potential to attract investment and the mentioned figures can be increased five times over, since only 20% of the potentials have been used." Sate'i pointed to the new regulation on the Special Economic Zones and added: "The new regulations allow 100% investment by foreign firms on national port projects." Referring to PSO's position on privatization, Sate'i said: "Currently, for the first time and said: "Since Iran has been a wheat importer 5 all the PSO's terminals are being managed by the private sector so far, Iranian ports lack wheat export equipments. Therefore, and from now on, PSO will no longer purchase any port equipment." following the announcement of news of wheat export by the Ministry He added: "A sum of Rls. 520 billion has been allotted from the of Commerce, PSO has initiated the move to equip the ports for the Administered Funds for the benefit of private firms interested in purpose." investment on port equipment. Sate'i said: "Through planning and action plans, and after agreement "According to the mentioned plan, PSO is trying to obtain the between the Commercial Services Company and Tidewater Terminal Organization Council's approval for conceding the titles of 400 port Operators, the cereal silo has been prepared by the Company at related machines and equipment to active private companies." Imam Khomeini Port and they are decontaminating the silo for export The Member of PSO Board of Directors stressed: "In the context of wheat by the end of August." /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO of Government privatization policies, we intend to hand over the He said: "The necessary investments have been made to export management of small ports to the private sector and therefore the an annual amount of one million tons of wheat from the Port of management of the Port of Fereidoonkenar will soon be privatized." Imam Khomeini, and it is now possible to export 10,000 tons of He continued by announcing the news of wheat export from ports wheat per day on board of 45,000 DWT vessels." The First Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Training Center in Orumieh

he Ports and Shipping Organization (PSO) has set up the first Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) Training Center along the coasts of Orumieh Lake, in cooperation with the private sector and under the license of international colleges. PSO has established the first HSE Training Center in Orumieh in the context of the Organization's objectives of enhancing safety, protecting the environment and reducing accidents at sea and ports. Accordingly, the Organization, in collaboration with international colleges, has developed special programs for navigation safety, consisting of the four safety measures, maritime search and rescue, fire fighting at sea, and special port safety. The courses to be offered are the firefighting training programs (including the safety of hazardous cargoes, terminals and oil platforms, fighting fires caused by hazardous materials, safety and firefighting for port equipment and installations), the phases and the provision of training materials, the Center will environmental training programs (including environmental admit HSE trainees from regional countries such as Azerbaijan, management systems, ballast water, oil pollution at sea, recycling CIS, Iraq, Turkey and Afghanistan. waste materials), and health programs (including health of port Educating Iranian trainers in the field of HSE is among the staff and seafarers, health protection and first aid, decontamination objectives of the Center. For this reason, the initial training sessions of cargo transportation equipment, emergency units and health will be conducted by foreign lecturers, and then a number of crises at ports and sea). Iranian specialists will be dispatched to relevant colleges for It should be mentioned that after the establishment and initial further education. News

National Marine Pollution Response and News in Brief Maritime Search and Rescue Exercises Maritime Experts in Anzali Trained to Review Maritime Accidents

Given the importance of accurate reviewing of the maritime accidents in preventing similar cases, and enhancing the know-how of PSO's experts on sea accidents, the Organization organized a 5-day training course on reviewing the maritime accidents . Subjects discussed during the training session included the history of sea accidents, introduction to different types of sea accidents and the main factors in sea accidents, including human and technical factors. Moreover the regulations, conventions, guidelines and international references for review of accidents were introduced and the different procedures and stages of review and analysis of sea accidents through a systematic method and application of scientific methodology based on IMO Model Course were presented. It should be mentioned that these courses, which were provided previously by foreign lecturers, were conducted for the first time by Iranian professors. Initiatives Taken for North –South Oil Transit he Ports and Shipping Organization, against pollution, enhancing national Alexander S. Bobreshov, the Vice- in collaboration with the Department readiness at times of major incidents leading President and Member of the Board of of Environment, the Iranian Fisheries to marine pollution, improving coordination the Russian Railways and his Organization, the National Iranian Tanker among national organizations in conducting accompanying delegation discussed Company, the Islamic Republic of Iran marine pollution response, improving the ways of mutual cooperation in transiting Shipping Lines, the Oil Products Exports marine pollution reporting systems, self 6 oil and related products during a meeting Terminals, the Iranian Offshore Oil assessment and determination of the with officials from the Ports and Shipping Company, the IRI Navy, the IRI Police, the weaknesses and strengths of the oil spill Organization and the IRI Railways. Islamic Revolutionary Guards Naval Force response system and enhancing the quality Given the existing potentials and and the Red Crescent Society, organized of the maritime search and rescue system capacities, the parties agreed to set up the national marine pollution response and in the country. an expert committee to review the maritime search and rescue exercises in The exercises were held by the PSO teams feasibility of transiting oil and related the Port of Anzali. trained in combating oil pollution and products from CIS and Central Asia to The mentioned exercises were undertaken maritime search and rescue deploying over Southeast Asia. They further agreed to with the objective of accurate 17 vessels, flying units and mechanical set up a center to study, remove /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO implementation of the national plan for systems for collecting oil from the sea obstacles and propose practical solutions preparedness, resposne and cooperation surface. for the purpose. Port of Chabahar The CSC Training Session Held in Awarded IMS Certificate

Collaboration with Germanisher Lloyd The Port of Chabahar succeeded in obtaining the Certificate for Quality Management, Environment, Occupational Safety and Health Systems based on OHSAS 18001:1999, ISO 14001:2004 and ISO 9001:2000 standards from the R-TUV International Company in Iran. The scope of the certificate includes maritime and port services consisting of cargo loading, discharge and storage, ship registration and inspection, seafarer's examination and certification, n a move to implement the International the mentioned training sessions. repair and maintenance of equipment Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) in Mr. Boeck has 11 years of experience as and installations, and safety and ports and in view of the need for creating container surveyor in the GL and has been protection of the marine environment. the proper grounds for promoting the culture responsible for container certificate approval Following a review of the provincial ports of the mentioned Convention among terminal and awarding for 8 years. in accordance with the conditions of the operators, shipping lines, container owners, As the Islamic Republic of Iran is the only integrated management system during charterers and classification societies, the regional country joining the Convention and a 14-month project, and through training Ports and Shipping Organization initiated a given the special procedures for enforcing the specialists and implementation of number of training sessions to introduce the the Convention in ports, it would be beneficial the management system, the Directorate Convention. to learn from the experiences of member General of the Sistan and Baluchistan Accordingly PSO opened negotiations with States in its correct implementation. Ports and Shipping was able to obtain the Germanicher Lloyd Classification Society Representatives from important shipping the Integrated Management System (GL), and Mr. Guido Hoege Boeck traveled lines, port and terminal operators, port (IMS) Certificate following an audit by to Iran to lecture on the International experts and the domestic and foreign the issuing company. Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) during classification societies attended the course. Who’s Who Who’s Who in PSO

S. M. Momeni Member of the Board & Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs Tel: + 98 21 88651110 Fax: + 98 21 88651112 E-mail:[email protected]

E. Azizabadi Davood Sharifi S.Ali Estiri M. Ghaderi Director General of Seafarers Director General for Director General for Director General of Standards, International Maritime Maritime Affairs Safety & Marine Training and Certification Specialized Agencies Tel: + 98 21 88651116 Protection Tel: + 98 21 22288037 Tel: + 98 21 88651120 Fax: + 98 21 84932675 Tel: + 98 21 88651118 Fax: + 98 21 22802500 Fax: + 98 21 84932187 E-mail:[email protected] Fax: + 98 21 84932190 E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected]

7

N.Alipour M. Asiabanpoor Naser Ajorlou Ahmad Parhizi Head of Seafarer Head of Training Head of Marine Head of Search and Standards Directorate Department Communication Department Rescue & Marine Tel : 98 21 22281522 Tel: + 98 21 84932630 Tel: + 98 21 84932145 Environment Protection Fax : 98 21 22802500 Fax: + 98 21 84932633 Fax: + 98 21 88651191-2 Tel: + 98 21 84932172 E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected] Fax: + 98 21 84932190

E-mail:[email protected] 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO

Nader Pasandeh Ahmad Foroughi Jamal Jafaripour Iraj Roozkhosh Head of Seafarer's Head of Ship Registration Heah of Maritime Head of PSC Division Examination & & Certification Operation Department Tel: + 98 21 84932173 Certification Department Department Tel: + 98 21 84932143 Fax: + 98 21 84932190 Tel: + 98 21 22802501 Tel: + 98 2184932144 Fax: + 98 21 84932675 E-mail:[email protected] Fax: + 98 21 22280103 Fax: + 98 21 88651191-2 E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected] E-mail:[email protected]

News in Brief Journalists Trained on "Port and Maritime Concepts" Khoramshahr Awarded the IMS Certificate Considering the vast dimension of shipping industry and dynamic word of maritime transportation and with aview to the public medias In the year named for productivity in the Ports and Shipping significant responsibility to announce correct and valid news to the Organization, the Khoramshahr Ports and Shipping succeeded public, Ports and Shipping Organization held a training course for in obtaining the Integrated Management System (IMS) journalists on port and maritime concepts . Certificate , after two years of constant effort of officials and The course aimed at promoting the knowledge of the journalists in experts towards standardization of processes. port operation and maritime transportation fields. The mentioned system includes the Quality Management System P.S.O Managing Director, the Board of Directors and Director based on ISO 9001:2000 standards, the Environmental Generals of Port, Maritime,and Engineering Departments introduce Management System based on ISO 14001:2004 standards and P.S.O. scope of activities to the participant during a 3-day course. the Occupational Safety and Health based on OHSAS 18001: In the final day of the course journalists visited the southern port 1999 as defined by the French Bureau Veritas (BV). of Shahid Rajaee and witness the port operation from close distance. Making Frinds

Iran and Denmark Insist on Joint Maritime Cooperation

li Taheri, the Managing Director of the Ports and Shipping million TEUs, and for this reason 8 Super Panamax container Organization and Soren Haslund, the Danish Ambassador cranes have been installed in the terminal." discussed the means of maritime cooperation during a meeting in He added: "During the phase II of the project the capacity of the the PSO's headquarters. container terminal of Shahid Rajaee Complex will reach 6 million Accompanied by the Embassy's Advisor Mr. Peter Ivertsen and TEUs in two and half years' time." the Commercial Attaché, the Danish Ambassador met with Mr. Taheri and A.Satei,PSO Deputy for Port Affairs and S.E.Z . Stressing the importance of shipping industry for his country, the Danish Ambassador stated: "Despite being a small country, the coastlines and the surrounding seas have made the sea and shipping activities an important feature of the Danish economy and Denmark possesses the most credited shipping lines and the most modern fleet in the world." He pointed to the movement of the Danish ships, including the Maersk Lines, the world's largest container liners in Iranian ports and stressed the need for expanding cooperation between the two countries in shipping petroleum products, chemicals and LNG.

8 Taheri, referring to Maersk activities in the port of Shahid Rajaee, Taheri announced the news of PSO's interest in attracting foreign said: "During meetings held with this Company's representatives and domestic investment in the form of BOT contracts for in Iran, they expressed their satisfaction of the services provided implementing the Organization's development plans and added: in the Port, and we hope that once the works on expansion of the "In the context of the Government's privatization policies, the Ports Shahid Rajaee Port Complex as well as the development plans and Shipping Organization has been one of the pioneers of handing are completed and the modern equipment is in place, the port's over operations to the private sector and so far the management service would be further improved, allowing the berthing of larger of all the port terminals in the country and most of the ports ships of 10–12 thousands TEU in capacity." operations have been handed over to the private sector. Moreover Referring to the Shahid Rajaee Expansion Project, the largest some of the smaller ports are planned to be administered completely container port of the country, to be implemented in three phases, by private operators. /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO he reiterated: "The current capacity of the port's container terminal " He further announced the PSO's readiness to hand over the currently stands at 1.5 million TEUs, and once the Phase I of the construction of infrastructural facilities and port operations to project is completed, this capacity will be doubled reaching to 3 domestic and foreign investors.

UAE Looks for Investment Opportunities in Iranian Ports

ollowing the visit by Mahmood Ahmadi Nezhad, the President the Ports and Shipping Organization, the Tehran Municipality, of Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Arab Emirates the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Petroleum and the Tidewater (UAE) and positive discussions with the political and economical Company. authorities, which have created the necessary grounds for future The UAE delegation also visited the Persian Gulf Petroleum economic and executive interactions and planning, the Port and the Shahid Rajaee Expansion Project during a trip to representatives of Ghantoot Groups, one of the leading economic Bandar Abbas, and was informed in details of the Shahid Rajaee investment corporations in UAE arrived in Tehran to explore Expansion Project and the development plans for the Persian opportunities for investment in the country. Gulf Port during a meeting with officials of the Hormozgan Ports Ali Mohammad Sadeq Al Balushi, the President of Ghantoot and Shipping. The Ghantoot Group is active in various Group and his accompanying delegation held numerous meetings development projects, road construction, marine, electronic, with the officials of different organizations and ministries, including transportation and other projects. Focus

Caspian Sea: the Largest Inland Reservoir

2 pread over an area of 436,000 km , the Caspian Sea is the conservation of the Caspian environment is therefore a serious world's largest inland reservoir, located in the frontier between responsibility that should be shouldered by all the littoral States. Europe and Asia. The coastline of this sea extends over 6400km, Given the current load of pollution from industrial activities, drilling with Kazakhstan having the longest coast of 1600km, with Iran and explorations, shipping movement and discharge of waste, the (820km), Russia (695km), Turkmenistan (650km) and Azerbaijan invasion of foreign species and illegal fishing, the accomplishment (600km) coming next in line. of a sustainable ecosystem would seem impossible without a specific The deepest point in this lake reaches down to 1025m and the sea strategy to protect and revive this unique environment. has an average depth of 208m, increasing from north to south. Generally speaking, the sustainable development of the Caspian There are a number of islands in the sea covering a total area of Sea depends on the conservation of her bio-diversity, which can approximately 2,000 meters. The Sea is fed by over 130 large and only be realized through rational and responsible operation of the small rivers. The largest of these are in the northern coasts, while sea by all the coastal governments concerned. To this end, it is the small ones are to be found in the western and the southern important for all the states to maintain effective national and regional coasts of the Sea. Volga is the largest river in the Caspian Basin, interactions to preserve the sea. 9 supplying 80% of the Caspian water alone. The Caspian has no Under the title of cooperation among states having common frontiers connection to open seas, although ships pass through Volga and with enclosed or semi-enclosed seas, Article 123 of the United then to the Volga-Don Canal to reach the Black Sea and the Baltic. Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates: "countries The Caspian Sea can be compared to an aquarium, which holds having a common frontier in form of enclosed or semi-enclosed sea a wealth of fossil reserves on its bed and a large collection of marine must cooperate with each other when discharging their duties under vegetation and species in her heart. Despite being an inland reservoir, this Convention. " the Caspian Sea possesses a rich biodiversity and is the habitat The other feature of the Caspian Sea as an inland reservoir is that for approximately 1,600 marine species. Sturgeon is the main marine it is excluded from the principles and regulations on seas related species of the Caspian and over 70% of the world's Caviar is to the division of maritime regions such as territorial waters, continental supplied from this Sea. The marshlands and lagoons along the shelves, etc. The lack of a legal system governing the Caspian 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO coasts of the Sea constitute suitable habitats for millions of indigenous environment can in no way justify the negligence from the international and migrating birds. laws governing the seas by the littoral States. Considering this special characteristics, it is necessary and imperative The Caspian Economy for the five littoral States to compile and implement special rules Archeological studies around the Caspian Sea show traces of and regulations for conservation and protection of the marine settlements along the western regions of Turkmenistan, north of environment. Iran and the eastern regions of Azerbaijan dating back to around 12,000 years ago. It appears that the territory surrounding the sea was the breeding grounds for many civilizations. Although the Sea has always provided the means of income and trade for the coastal residents, in recent centuries and particularly th from the 19 century, it gained a new international significance with the industrial exploration of oil in Baku. Before then, the Sea's importance was limited to fishing and shipping, but in recent decades, the issues of exploring the seabed's resources and protection of the environment and the marine environment has also found a new significance. Russia possesses the largest fleet in the Caspian Sea, although in recent year the Iranian companies have tried to gain a larger share of cargo shipping in this area. Oil and fuel transfer in the Caspian is mainly realized through pipelines. Along these, tankers carry crude oil from Russia and Kazakhstan to the Port of Neka in Iran, to be taken by the Neka- Rey Pipeline to Tehran Refinery. The rush for economical exploration of the Sea by some littoral States has resulted in a serious ecological crisis, and according to witnesses, many marine and bird species will become extinct in a near future, transforming the Caspian into a dead sea.

The Caspian Environment Due to her enclosed environment and lack of access to open sea, the Caspian ecosystem is quite vulnerable and the protection and Making Friends

Iran and Georgia to Develop Marine Ties

he final draft of the Located in the northwest of Asia agreement on commercial on the side of the Caspian Sea, shipping was finalized during the Georgia also has a considerable visit of the Ports and Shipping waterline in the Black Sea Organization (PSO) delegation (310km) and neighbors the to Georgia. countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Mohsen Sadeghifar, PSO Russia and Turkey, thus enjoying Director General of Port Affairs an ideal situation as a announced the news and said: transportation link both on land "Considering the existing and the sea through the Black potentials in Georgia, the draft Sea and the Mediterranean. agreement on commercial- This country imports the bulk of maritime shipping was agreed its energy needs including natural by the two countries' experts during the trip of the PSO The draft of the agreement was gas and petroleum products. The during the fourth Iran-Georgia delegation to Tiflis." finally approved by both parties, expansion of Georgia's marine joint commission in 2005." The Iranian delegation headed making it ready for official transportation sector would be He added: "The follow-ups by by Mohsen Sadeghifar attended signature by the high officials of possible by the development of the two countries have resulted several meetings with Georgian the Islamic Republic of Iran and international transportation in a draft agreement, which was transportation officials during Georgia during the future corridors through the strategic reviewed and finalized by the their two-day trip, negotiating meeting of the two countries' ports of Pouty and Batumi in the Iranian and Georgian delegations the terms of the agreement. economic commission. Black Sea.

10 Anzali Visited by Representatives from 24 Countries

he Director General of witness the realization of He added: "Considering the tax exemptions, land Guilan Ports and Shipping common interest for all the volume of investment and the concessions and special facilities Organization (PSO) invited countries." ongoing plans, the port's for investors and project owners the Ambassadors and Koohsari stressed: "Currently capacity as defined in the Master as among the port's future representatives of 24 countries the Guilan ports and customs Plan is predicted to reach 10 programs. to invest in Anzali Free Trade are among the most important million tons with 24 harbors Koohsari reiterated: "The high

/No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO Zone, during their visit to the Port ports and customs of the spread over an area of 102 speed of port operations has of Anzali. Caspian region due to their hectares." He cited the resulted in the activities of 66 During the gathering of advanced software systems." development of infrastructure, cargo transportation companies, ambassadors and attachés of 20 shipping companies, 40 the Central Asian and European custom clearance firms and 20 countries, Farhad Montassar cargo survey companies in this Koohsari said: "The Anzali Free district." Trade Zone extends over 200 He further cited the indicators for hectares and at present consists developed countries as attention of the three port, industrial and to the sea and shipping, and tourist zones." expansion of ports, roads and Pointing to the maritime railways and said: "In this context transportation sector, he said: we have moved towards the "The Anzali Free Trade Zone is expansion of the port to improve an ideal place for investment on trade in the region." production units for the purpose Koohsari described the tourist of processing, packaging and attractions of Guilan and Anzali, creating added value." He added: due to its special location "In this context, the Government between the sea and the lagoon of Islamic Republic of Iran as unique and stated: "The city has taken great strides in has great potentials and can guaranteeing capital investments become the most beautiful tourist by foreigners." center in the country and the Koohsari affirmed: "Due to its region if proper investments are position on the NOSTRAC made." Corridor and its proximity to Bandar Anzali has a population Central Asian countries, Anzali of 140,000. It is located at a constitutes an ideal bridge for distance of 333km from the other countries." Referring to national capital. It has currently other attractions of Anzali such 37km of coastal stretch, and the as trade, tourism, aquaculture, Anzali Lagoon is one of the most agriculture, etc., he stressed: "In important attractions case of investment and activation of the city. of this Corridor, we would soon World Mritime Day

IMO’s Response to Current Environmental Challenges

very year IMO celebrates World continued reductions in pollution from ships Convention on the Prevention of Marine Maritime Day during the last week in despite a massive increase in world Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other September. The day is used to focus seaborne trade, So that tanker owners take Matter, and Other IMO Conventions deal attention on the importance of shipping pride in statistics that show that 99.9996 per with issues such as the use of harmful anti- safety, maritime security and the marine cent of all oil transported by sea is delivered fouling paint on ship hulls; preparedness, environment and to emphasize a particular safely and without impact on the marine response and co-operation in tackling aspect of IMO's work. environment. "he noted. pollution from oil and from hazardous and World Maritime Day was set up by the IMO "MARPOL, nevertheless, recognizes that noxious substances; the right of States to in 1978 and national governments some areas need protection over and above intervene on the high seas to prevent, commemorate it during the last week of that sought under normal circumstances. To mitigate or eliminate danger to their September. Various themes were covered this end, it defines certain sea areas as coastlines." in the past 29 years such as safety and .Special Areas and Particularly Sensitive According to him the issue of ship recycling, welfare of seafarers, cleaner seas and safer Sea Areas".IMO Secretary General added. removal of wrecks, atmospheric pollution oceans, search and rescue and He continued:"IMO's environmental work in have also been IMO's major environmental telecommunications in shipping. recent years has covered a remarkably broad concern over the past recent years. The theme chosen by IMO this year is Focus canvas including: the adoption, of the Ballast IMO's Secretary General express concern on Marine Environment. The IMO Council, Water Management Convention(2004), entry over delayed implementation of IMO at its 97th session in November 2006, into force of the 1996 Protocol to the 1972 instrument after its entry in to force and endorsed the proposal of Secretary-General, further delay in tackling the issues regulated Mr. Efthimios Mitropoulos, that the theme by such instruments which may spur for World Maritime Day 2007 would be unilateral or regional measures by individual "IMO's response to current environmental countries or groups of countries and challenges". prolongation of the situation which may lead The theme was chosen to give IMO the to ambiguities, which, in the final analysis, opportunity to focus on its environmental may count against seafarers, the maritime work (both of the past and present) and thus industry and the environment. 11 intensify its efforts to add our contribution to Appreciating IMO's decision to select that of the international community to protect environmental issues to take centre stage and preserve the environment before it is this year, He finally express hope that the too late. theme will play centrepiece in a host of In his message marking the occasion, IMO activities and initiatives, which will form part Secretary-General Efthimios of a concerted action plan that we have been Mitropoulos,pointing to today's growing undertaking to educate people; increase their concern for the environment and sharper awareness about the true, and deteriorating, scrutiny and pressure on environmental state of the planet; and help us all to become credentials of every country and industry to responsible citizens, in its fullest sense. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO which the transport industry is no exception and said: " certainly enough environmental concerns are now high on the agenda in all of its sectors" "Although statistics reveal that, of all modes of transport, shipping is the least environmentally damaging, there is no doubt that the shipping industry, and IMO, still have more to do in this respect, there is, nevertheless, an impressive track record of continued environmental awareness, concern, action, response and overall success scored by the Organization and the maritime community and industry, which cannot go unnoticed. over many years, IMO adopted a wide range of measures to prevent and control pollution caused by ships and to mitigate the effects of any damage that may occur as a result of maritime operations." Mr.Mitropoulus said. According to Mitropoulos The most serious problem at the time IMO began to address environmental issues was the spillage of oil into the seas, either through accidents or poor operating practices. "To address these effectively, the Organization embarked on a multi-faceted, ambitious programme of work which culminated successfully in the adoption of International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) in1973 which laid the foundation for substantial and Around PSO

Irano-Hind Shipping Signs Contract for Building 160,000 DWT Ship

he Irano-Hind Shipping Dr. Golparvar stressed: "The Company has signed a Irano-Hind Shipping is trying to contract for construction of one increase its fleet capacity to 1 160,000 DWT Suezmax vessel million tons by the year 2010." with South Korea's Hyundai. The IRISL Commercial Deputy During the contract signing stated: "The strategies and ceremony, Dr. Gholam Hossein investments made by IRISL Golparvar, the IRISL Deputy for have directed the national fleet Commercial Affairs said that the towards capacity expansion, tanker would increase the Irano- which is the most certain way Hind capacity to 800,000 DWT and tool for economical growth and added: "Through , and non-oil export of the country. investments on new ships and The Vice-President of the South the use of foreign loans, the Korean Hyundai assured the Company has been able to gathering of the high quality of increase its capacity 5.5 times the ships ordered and added: since 2001, which is a unique "Hyundai has a close relationship feat among domestic with Iranian shipping companies and constitutes an companies." exceptional leap in the It should be mentioned that the development of commercial contract is worth USD 80 million, fleet." He added: "With this and Hyundai is scheduled to contract, which is for the deliver the ships by the year construction of the third 2009 to the Irano-Hind Shipping Suezmax tanker, the Company Company. Hyundai is currently will be the owner of 4 vessels constructing two similar ships of this type." ordered by Irano-Hind shipping.

Iran Will Earn 1 Billion USD from Bunkering

ccording to the National president of National Iranian Oil regional market of the Persian company which will generate Iranian Oil Products Produts Distribution Company Gulf and the Oman Sea." 640 million USD of income to Distribution Co.'s plans Islamic stated:"According to P.S.O. He added:"by the end of the the country." Republic of Iran set a goal to statistics 3500 foreign ships and current year with 2000 foreign He countinued: NIOPDC has 12 boost its incom, derive from ship 2200 domestic ships of above ships added to the Iranian ships set a goal to boost the country's bunkering to 1 billion USD 1000 DWT call the Iranian now bunkering by NIOPD income from bunkering to 1 annually. southern ports annually and as Company, 2 million tons of billion USD annually by 2010. Eng. Ahmadinezhad Vice a result Iran enjoys the lucrative bunker fuel will be sell by the

Iran and Saudi Arabia to Boost Maritime Cooperation

he cabinet has approved facilitating marine transportation According to the MoU the two of the two countries should

/No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO a bill on Iran-Saudi marine of goods between the two sides vowed to boost bilateral observe the provisions of the transportation cooperation, countries, marine transportation through international conventions and easing transportation between The bill, ratified by the Iranian the ports of the two countries agreements the other party had the two countries. Parliament and approved by the and remove any obstacles, as joined and the other country The agreement, including an Guardian Council, is now well as to facilitate the port codes regarding marine introduction and 13 articles forwarded to Iran’s Ministry of transportation with the third safety, environment, dangerous signed by the two governments, Roads and Transportation as country. goods and seafarers work and aims to establish a legal the responsible body for According to the article 3 of the life conditions. framework for cooperation in implementation. memo the ships under the flag

Korean Crew Saved by Bonyad Shipping Co.

he crew of a Korean Ship It should be mentioned that after in distress near the gulf of the accident, which occurred in Oman due to flooding of the the morning of 10 August 2007, engine room were saved by M/V DARIAN sent distress alerts SAHAR, belonging to Bonyad through VHF asking for Shipping. assistance from ships present After being informed of the call in the region. Being at a for assistance from Korean Ship distance of 11 miles from the "DARIAN", which was facing distressed ship, SAHAR difficulties after water had immediately changed her penetrated the engine room, the course towards the announced Bonyad Shipping owned position and was able to save SAHAR succeeded in rescuing the crew of the Korean ship and all the distressed ship's officers transfer them on the deck and and crew. conduct them to the nearest situation. to accept the risks and carefully According to the report, the 15 coast. According to him, such a plan and implement the rescue crew members including 10 According to SAHAR Master, situation puts also the aiding operation with success. Syrians and 5 Indians were the weather at the time of the ship at risk, but the necessity At the time of accident, the handed over safely to Omani accident was stormy and the to rescue the Korean ship's Korean ship was carrying officials. ship was in a very dangerous crew impelled the Iranian ship cement from Karachi to Iraq. Domestic Events

1st International Conference on Persian Gulf, the Marine Silk Road

The First International Conference on Persian Gulf, the Marine "Economy and Investment", "Evaluation of Global Strategy for the Silk Road titled: "Yesterday's Silk Road, Today's Energy Highway" Persian Gulf", "Transit of Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals" and will be held in December 6-9,2007 in Tehran, with the objective of "Connections between the East, West, North and South Corridors". reviewing and studying the historical identity of the Persian Gulf In addition to presenting the cultural, commercial, political and and its special and unique role in the marine silk road, as the geographical history of the marine silk road in the Persian Gulf, economical highway of this strategic region. the Conference plans to introduce and review the existing and The Conference is divided into six specialized commissions future potentials and conditions of the marine silk road, particularly including: "Foreign Business and Trade", "Historical and Touristic in the vital highway of the Persian Gulf. Geography", "Environment and Environmental Resources", www.persiangulfsilkroad.com 4th Marine Photo Festival Introducing National Maritime Society

In a move to promote the national marine culture, to introduce the society of the country through such subjects as: Iranian maritime society (the military and defense fleet, the petroleum a)The activities of Iranian ports; fleet, the commercial fleet, the fishing community, the passenger b)The activities of Iranian defense and military fleet; fleet and the maritime industries), and to pave the way for closer c)The activities of Iranian tanker fleet; awareness of the sea and related subject by the general public and d)The activities of Iranian commercial fleet; photographers, the Ports and Shipping Organization will hold the e)The activities of Iranian fishing fleet; th 4 Iranian Marine Photo Festival. f)The activities of Iranian passenger fleet; and The Festival includes the 4 sections of "Nature", "The Environment g)The activities of Iranian ship repairs and maritime industries. and the Sea", "Man and the Sea" and "Open (in subject related www.seaphoto.ir to sea) " and 4 other sections aimed at introducing the maritime 7th Conference of Maritime Science and Technology

The Iranian Association of Maritime Science and Technology, in Defense Issues", "Maritime Engineering and Technology", "The collaboration with the Imam Khomeini University of Noshahr and Rights and Management of Marine Resources" and all the biological th maritime organizations will hold the 7 National Conference on and non-biological fields of marine sciences will be held in Noshahr. Maritime Science and Technology for two days starting on 28 Moreover, in order to increase the awareness of researchers and November 2007 with the objective of introducing the scientific, scientists of the maritime field of the producers and latest technologies, research and industrial capacities of the country, expanding relations an exhibition of products from various companies and organizations among the relevant researchers and introducing the latest national will be held as the side event to the Conference. accomplishments in this field. www.ismst.ir The Conference, which focuses on "Marine Trainings, Military and September 25th, World Maritime Day th According to a report issued by the Public Relations and International 25 attended by officials, organizations and companies active in Affairs Department of the Ports and Shipping Organization, this the maritime industry as well as seafarers. As in the past, the 13 year's World Maritime Day, themed as "the Maritime Organizations exemplary seafarers will also be awarded during this year's Response to Environmental Challenges" will be held on September ceremonies. Calander of Events

International Maritime-Port Technology MEDITERANEAN NARITIME Europort 2007 and Development Conference 24-26October 2007 6-10 November 2007 26-28 September Marseille, France Rotterdam Singapore www.baird-online.com www.europortmaitime.nl www.mtec2007.org

Portech Asia 2007 Container Tracking & Security 2007 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO 4th Thai Ports and Shipping 2007 24-26 October 2007 7-8 November 27-28 September 2007 Shanghai, China Dubai, UAE Bangkok www.globaler.com www.telematicsupdate.com www.transportevent.com 2nd European Conference on ShortSea Conference „Production Technologies in Shipbuilding 15-16 November 2007 Inmex India 2007 October 25-26, 2007 City Halls Bruges 3-5 October 2007 The armoury of the Hanseatic City of Wismar Belgium Mumbai India Germany www.europoint-bv.com www.inmexindia.com www.ecpts.de Med Freight 2007 Port and Terminal Technology Kormarine 2007 22-23 November 9-10 October 2007 24-27 October 2007 Starhotel President, Genoa Antwerp, Belgium Busan S. Korea www.lloydslistevents.com/lm1931 www.milleniumconferences.com www.kormarine.net The All China Maritime Conference JOC 1st Automotive Maritime Logistic Malaysia Ports 2007 Conference and Exhibition Conference 29-30 October 27- 30 November 2007 15-16 October Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Shanghai, China Baltimore, USA www.abf-asia.com www.marintecchina.com www.joc.com SCM Logistics Middle East 2007 Marine Fuel & Emission Conference 2nd Southern Asia Ports, Logistics 29-31 October 2007 27-28 November and Shipping Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, UAE Rotterdam, Netherlands 18-19 October 2007 www.trrapinn.com/2007/scmme www.motorship.com Mumbai, India www.transportevents.com Marine Indonesia 3rd Trans Middle East 2007 31 October - 3 November 2007 28-29 November 2007 Jakata Maritime Africa 2007 Cairo www.pamerindo.com www.transportevents.com 24-26 October 2007 Cape Town TOC2007 Americans Intermodal 2007 www.martimeafrica.net 6-8 November 4-6 December 2007 Panama Amsterdam www.toc-events.com www.intermodal-events.com Ports of Iran

invested in construction of warehouses, terminals, silos, workshops, etc. The volume TheThe PortPort ofof of investments made on over 1,000,000 m2 of support premises is equivalent to Rls. 1,177 billion. ImamImam KhomeiniKhomeini Moreover, the privatization of port's operations has attracted over 60 companies and firms with contracts for discharge, loading and clearing cargo, and about 40 shipping companies acting on behalf of international shipping companies in the fields of imports and exports. The appropriate facilities are available for investment in construction of piers as well as port equipment and installations, liquid oil and petroleum product reservoirs and warehouses.

Port equipment: 220-ton crane:...... 1 Beach crane:...... 10 Yard crane:...... 38 Trailers:...... 6 Gantry crane:...... 4 (40 tons) Transtainer:...... 5 Reach stacker:...... 5 Cereal suction:...... 7 ith a record of 70 years of activity, products are among the other advantages the Port of Imam Khomeini is the provided by the Imam Khomeini Port. Port operations: largest port of the country, located within 11 This port is also located in the proximity of 2 Due to the expanse of the port yard and the million m of area in the northwest of Persian largest industrial centers in the west, north number of piers as well as the availability of Gulf and at the extremity of the natural and central parts of the country including large petrochemical complexes in the area, waterway of Khormousa. the Khuzestan industries, Abadan refineries, the Port of Imam Khomeini has a large Stretching 7km in length, a minimum of 250m Esfahan, Shiraz, Tehran, Tabriz, Arak, as throughput. In recent years the port's in width and an average depth of 20m, the well as the most important petrochemical, performance has improved significantly. Khormousa waterway provides a calm and automotive and heavy machines industries www.bik.ir assured bed for the movement of the in Tehran, Tabriz and Arak. Ships carrying Distance between Imam Khomeini Port oceangoing commercial vessels and tankers. export and transit goods from this port are and neighboring ports The Port's excellent equipment and subject to special rates and port charges. installations have allowed an annual cargo Another important feature of the Port is the handling capacity of over 35 million tons, availability of 100 km of internal railways, 14 equivalent to 30% of the total capacity of the which link the harbors, warehouses and Iranian ports. Moreover, half of the annual docks and provide the facility of direct oil exchanges are carried out through this transportation of cargo from ship to the port. business and industrial centers of Iran and neighboring countries. Advantages of Imam Khomeini Port: This port is the most important and closest Investment in support premises: southern port to the main agricultural centers, Though land concessions to the private domestic markets and populated regions of sector during the period of 2002–2006, over

/No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO the country, and has the shortest distance 30 companies and organizations have Imam Khomeini Terminals to Iraq through Shalamcheh border. It has provided the appropriate conditions to activate the East-West Corridor and it enjoys the shortest land and rail route to the north for activating the NOSTRAC Corridor. The proximity of Imam Khomeini Port to the petrochemical complexes of Imam Khomeini Port, Razi, Farabi and the largest petrochemical special zone of Iran, which will be fully operative by the end of current Iranian year with an annual production volume of 11 million tons of solid and liquid Iran Maritime Community

Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines a Global Partner

ith the aim of of vessels to obtain secure Moreover, the IRISL Group has responding to the facilities and supports. 120 vessels and the potentiality increasing demands for Understanding this situation, the of handling a total capacity of transportation of cargo and IRISL Group has provided the more than 3.9 million tons of considering the need and customers with new services by cargo in the international routes. importance of regular carriage expanding its activities in the Today, the GROUP has 60% of of goods by sea due to the Iran's international sphere at the end its role playing on international long coastlines and accessibility of 2005. routes, through cargo to open seas, Islamic Republic According to categorization of transportation to most of the of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) prominent international shipping major ports all over the world, M.H.Dajmar IRISL Managing Director commenced its shipping companies of the world, together with outstanding display activities with two 2500 Dwt the IRISL Group has been of various state-of-the-art loading 2006, IRISL ranked 22nd in the vessels in 1967. nominated as the largest and discharging services at world in terms of volume. Today, after nearly 40 years, the shipping fleet in the Middle East, ports, where it has regional IRISL Group has been qualified and in relation to its fleet agents as well as offering quality IRISL BULK SERVICE to address itself as a Global expansion, as the second door-to-door services to its IRISL, through ownership of 46 Partner and is able to transport shipping company in the world. customers. bulk carriers with total 22 million tonnes of cargo The IRISL Group has IRISL services and activities are deadweight capacity of about annually. established 13 subsidiary divided and categorized in to 2.3 million tons, is able to carry The increasing importance of companies within the country different types of bulk, container all kinds of dry clean and unclean oceans as the most cost- and overseas, and four regional & break bulk services. bulk cargoes such as grain, coal, effective mode for transportation offices in Europe, Far East, and iron ore, etc. The IRISL fleet of commercial cargos resulted Middle East as well. It has also IRISL CONTAINER utilizes two other clean product in the continuous growth of established 180 International SERVICES tankers capable of transporting manufacturers' satisfaction to Offices and Agencies all over The container services of IRISL vegetable oils and other products transfer their products by means the world. are strongly active in the routes of similar nature. from Asia and Europe to Persian Gulf, Asia to Europe and Indian IRISL Break Bulk Service sub-continent and provide full 17 oceangoing vessels of modern scope coverage of "port to General Cargo and Multipurpose port" as well as "multimodal" Cargo ships with a capacity of shipments within and between 300 thousand DWT carry various the two continents. general cargoes such as There are over 40,4000 owned machinery, equipment, pipe, and around 10,000 chartered timber and steel products from sea born slots available in these East and South Asia to the Middle services and by carrying around East and Persian Gulf ports. 15 950,000 TEUs during the year www.irisl.net /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO

Iran and Russia Agree to Solve Problems of Iranian Ships IMO Meetings

he Managing Director of The PSO Managing Director said Ports and Shipping that these problems would be rd Organization announced the reviewed and discussed 83 meeting of Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) news of an agreement to solve between the Organization and 3-12 Oct the problems of ships flying the the private sector and added: Copenhagen, Denmark Iranian flag in Russian ports. "Through these initiatives in a rd Referring to the initiative taken very near future, the Iranian 93 meeting of Legal Committee (LEG) by PSO to solve the problem of ships would be able to load and 22-26 Oct lengthy lay-up time for loading discharge their cargo in Russian Panama City, Panama and discharge of Iranian ships ports without any problem." th and the dissatisfaction of cargo 24 meeting of Council Extraordinary Session owners, Ali Taheri said: "We have 15-16 Nov recently held positive talks with Royal Lancaster Hotel, London the Russians and their port th officials have had a good 25 meeting of Assembly cooperation with PSO during this 19-30 Nov time." Royal Lancaster Hotel, London He added: "Currently, the PSO th experts are reviewing and 99 meeting of Council planning the appropriate grounds 30-30 Nov to solve the problems of Iranian Royal Lancaster Hotel, London ships in Russian ports." Iranology

Kish: Pearl of the Persian Gulf

pread over an area of approximately The Ancient Town of Harireh 2 91 km at a distance of 18km from the Dating back to 800 years ago, the Ancient southern coast of Iran (300km west of Bandar Town of Harireh is among the unique Abbas), the Island of Kish with unique natural attractions of Kish. This town was once the vistas, calm sea and beautiful beaches offers hub port linking Iran to India and China and many attractions for tourism. Europe. In the pre-Christianity period (550-320 BC) Kish was a major center for pearl diving. The Green Tree Around 8 centuries ago, Kish became a At the extreme of the longest ancient alluvial commercial hub, during which the small island course, one finds the "Green Tree linked Iran to China, Africa and Europe. Collections" with beautiful huts. The In 1970, given the natural features of the pavements dotted with lanterns in the Island, the beautiful coral beaches, the limpid perpetual green area created with colorful waters surrounding the island and finally the money plants take one to the main attraction strategic location, the Island was selected as consisting of the oldest Moabed Fig Trees an international tourist center. In the years of the Island. The collection is located in the following the Revolution, Kish was named as oldest fertile and the greenest area of Kish. the country's first Free Trade Zone to take advantage of its tourism and trade attractions. The Mysterious Greek Ship The selection of Kish as a FTZ and the 15- This ship was stranded in the year 1966 on years tax and excise exemption, as well as her return journey from Iran to Greece. The other legal facilities governing such zones, mystery of the ship's misfortune is still including free entry to the Island for foreigners, unresolved after these years. Many efforts have transformed it into a haven for were made to free the ship but failed. Finally economical activities. the crew had to abandon her as the efforts Tourism and trade are the main economical proved uneconomical. The sun setting slowly activities of Kish. With a multitude of large behind the Greek Ship in the azure waters and small markets and malls, approximately of the Persian Gulf creates an unforgettable 8,500 beds in hotels and diverse leisure and everlasting sight. activities on offer, Kish hosts 1.5 million The Dolphin Park travelers per year. There are a limited number So far thousands of palm trees have been of non-polluting and controlled industries planted in the park and a large collection of established in the Island as well. exceptional cactus trees have been gathered. The Kish climate is hot, with the average A collection of rarest and most beautiful temperature reaching 26-27º C and a relatively 16 animals are kept in the dolphinarium and high average humidity of 76%. Despite a low bird garden of this complex, where dolphins rainfall, Kish is considered as one of the greenest islands in the Persian Gulf. The and other sea mammals greet the visitors island's flora can withstand the severe heat with their beautiful displays. and humidity and consists mainly of lean Water Sports forests, shrubs and bushes. Kish is the ideal place to experience water During the last two decades of forestation, sports. The clubs and leisure centers of Kish over 2000 hectares of the island's lands were offer such services as diving, jet ski, water planted. Moabed Fig Tree, Manna Tree, ski, fast boat trips, parasols, jet boats, pedal /No.2/Sep-Oct. 2007 news/No.2/Sep-Oct. PSO Mimosa, Eucalyptus and Palms form the boats, banana boats and wind surfs. These dominant flora in Kish. The enclosed land centers are located in the eastern coasts of environment has limited the bio-diversity of the Island. the island, nonetheless a number of mammal species live here, with the most important www.kish.ir being the Iranian Gazelle. Moreover Kish is the habitat for diverse birds and marine species. Various types of beautiful and colorful fishes, corals, shellfishes, dolphins, turtles, etc. can be found in waters surrounding the Island. The main tourist attractions of Kish are the hidden city, the ancient town of Harireh, the large leisure pier, the Dolphin Park, the Bird Garden, the Greek Ship, the aquarium, the traditional water stores and aquatic sports such as swimming, scuba diving, jet skiing etc., as well as other activities such as cycling, Concessionaire: Ports And Shipping riding etc. Organization Published by: Public Relations, P.S.O Legal Manager: Hossein Porsan Editor-in-Chief:Saeedeh Pazooki Artworks Manager: Gh. Mohammadi Translator: Mojtaba Ahmadkhan Editor: Ehsan Esmaili Photographer: H.Kamkari,D.Tahari Address: P.S.O Building, South Didar St., Haghani Highway, Vanak Sq. Tehran, Iran Tel:+98 21 84932602 Fax: + 98 21 88651012