Mohammad Rastad Appointed as PMO Managing Director

Transcription

1 N EWS No.36 /November 2017 New Changes in Iranian Maritime Sector Mohammad Rastad Appointed as PMO Managing Director With a record of managing and developing Bushehr Port, Mr. Mohammad Rastad was appointed by a mandate of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development as the new Managing Director of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). Previously serving as the Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Rastad started leading PMO in the conditions where the execution of several economic plans after the Iranian Nuclear Agreement had posed heavy responsibilities for the Organization, which was also evident in the Ministerial mandate for his appointment. In the mentioned mandate, the Iranian Minister had recounted 8 major maritime priorities of the country, for which PMO needed to plan and act effectively. The first priority highlighted by Dr. Abbas Akhoondi was attempting to define and implement regulations to promote confidence and welfare, improve service quality, and safeguard civil rights. The Minister had also stressed Iran s strategic position in the region and Asia, and mentioned vast access of the country to free waters and the Caspian Sea as the grounds for the importance of maritime life for the Iranian economic future. Dr. Akhoondi had also requested his new deputy and PMO s Managing Director to precisely plan for energy consumption, and promotion of safety and productivity in transport environment, so that the meticulous management and operation of lines in ports in cooperation with the railway grid can foster integrated transport between seas and rails. Promotion of the national capacity for attracting new technologies and utilizing them in maritime industries were two other priorities stipulated by the Minister of Roads and Urban Development. In the past days, the Minister also appointed three other PMO executives through separate mandates. Thus, Mr. Hadi Haghshenas as the Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Reza Allahyar as the Deputy Managing Director for Engineering and Development of Infrastructures, and Mr. Mohammad Ali Hasanzadeh Mohammadi as the Deputy Managing Director for Ports and Economic Affairs commenced their operation for a period of three years. The recent decisions of the Iranian Ministry vividly depict Dr. Akhoondi s deliberation on the serious changes in the Iranian maritime conditions, which also demonstrate the importance of this issue for the Twelfth Iranian Administration.

2 2 Iranian Officials Attend Panama Port States Forum The Managing Director of Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) was invited by Mr. Jorge Barakat Pitty, the Panamanian Minister of Maritime Affairs to attend the ceremony for World Maritime Day in Panama City, and met with Mr. Ricardo Martinelli, the Panamanian President. During the mentioned meeting, also attended by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), possible ways to expand port and maritime cooperation between Iran and Panama were discussed. Maritime empowerment and planning for IMO technical cooperation with member States, as well as the present challenges for maintaining the current officers at sea and attracting competent seafarers and officers to this industry were among the other topics of negotiations in the above meeting. The participants in the meeting also discussed maritime security and cyber-security at sea, and the measures taken at the global level against piracy and armed robbery of ships. Mr. Rastad then mentioned the proposals of the Islamic Republic of Iran for better use of IMO resources and technical cooperation plans of that international organization to its member States, and highlighted the effective measures of the Iranian Navy for ensuring maritime security for ships operating under the flag of Iran or other countries in dangerous areas in terms of security, as well as preparing the syllabus for different maritime security training programs. It is worth mentioning that the Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and the PMO s Managing Director had travelled to Panama on 2 and 3 October 2017 to attend the World Maritime Day Ceremony held in that country. In a Meeting of PMO Managing Director & Panamanian President During a meeting of the Managing Director of Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) met with Mr. Ricardo Martinelli, the Panamanian President, on the sidelines of the Port States Forum parallel to the World Maritime Day in Panama City. According to a report by the PMO s Public Relations Bureau, the meeting was also attended by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and possible ways to expand port and maritime cooperation between Iran and Panama were discussed. The Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development recalled maritime empowerment and planning for IMO technical cooperation with member States, as well as the present challenges for maintaining the current officers at sea and attracting competent seafarers and officers to this industry to be among the other topics of negotiations in the above meeting. The meeting also covered maritime security and cyber-security at sea, and the measures taken at the global level against piracy and armed robbery of ships. Mr. Rastad further recounted the development measures taken in the Iranian ports and hinterlands, and mentioned the proposals of the Islamic Republic of Iran for better use of IMO resources and technical cooperation plans of that international organization to its member States. In his meeting with the Panamanian President, he highlighted the effective measures of the Iranian Navy for ensuring maritime security for ships operating under the flag of Iran or other countries in dangerous areas in terms of security, as well as preparing the syllabus for different maritime security training programs. Iranian Maritime Diplomacy in Panama On the sidelines of the Port States Forum parallel to the World Maritime Day in Panama, the Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development met with the Polish Minister of Marine Economy, Panamanian Minister of Maritime Affairs, and the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Iran-Poland Port & Maritime MOU Welcome According to a report by the Public Relations Bureau of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), Mr. Marek Gróbarczyk and Mr. Mohammad Rastad discussed different issues, including the conclusion of a port and maritime agreement, and recognizing seafarers certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Manila Amendments, 2010 to the STCW Convention. The Polish Minister then invited the Iranian delegation to pay a visit to the ship construction industries in his country. Planning for Iranian Audition of Panamanian Maritime Training Centers Upon an invitation by the Panamanian Minister of Maritime Affairs, Mr. Rastad met and negotiated with Mr. Jorge Barakat Pitty. During this meeting, the two sides discussed major maritime issues, conclusion of a port and maritime agreement between the two countries, and audition of the Panamanian maritime training centers for bilateral recognition of seafarer s certificates, which resulted in the initial agreement for planning the audit by the Iranian side. Higher Inclusion of Iranian Maritime Experts in IMO Projects Emphasized During a separate meeting with the Mr. Kitack Lim, the PMO s Managing Director described the latest plans and measures of the Islamic Republic of Iran in regard to promoting maritime safety and protecting the marine environment, and emphasized the need for higher inclusion of specialized maritime personnel of his country in the maritime capacity-building projects conducted by IMO. He then formally invited Mr. Lim to attend the ceremony to be held in September 2018 in Iran to honor the 70th anniversary of IMO s foundation. According to the same report, the parallel event for World Maritime Day in Panama was attended by port and maritime ministers and officials of port States, and focused on issues such as maritime empowerment and planning for IMO technical cooperation with member States, and the present challenges for maintaining the current officers at sea and attracting competent seafarers and officers to this industry, and maritime security and cyber-security at sea, and the measures taken at the global level against piracy and armed robbery of ships. Iranian Role in Ensuring Maritime Security Highlighted The Iranian Deputy Minister then mentioned the proposals of his country for better use of IMO resources and technical cooperation plans of that international organization to its member States, and highlighted the effective measures of the Iranian Navy for ensuring maritime security for ships operating under the flag of Iran or other countries in dangerous areas in terms of security, as well as the significant Iranian role in guaranteeing cyber-security and preparing the syllabus for different maritime security training programs. 3

3 During World Maritime Day Ceremony in Iran: Late Courageous Seafarer s Family Honored Development Priorities for Largest Iranian Container Port 4 During a ceremony attended by the Iranian Minister of Roads and Urban Development, and the Managing Director of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), the family of the Late Captain Amir Janbod, master of M/V Golafrooz, was commended for his unique bravery in rescuing 8 crew members of the yacht Trekker II in severe weather and sea conditions on 3 January On the same occasion, Mr. Kitack Lim, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) also issued the following message: I have the honor to inform you of the decision of the Council of the International Maritime Organization that Captain Janbod, Master of the M/V Golafruz, should be awarded this Letter of Commendation, posthumously, for his tireless efforts and the excellent seamanship displayed, on 3 January 2017, in the rescue of the eight crew members of the yacht Trekker II, in adverse weather and sea conditions. Construction of 3 oil berths in Shahid Rajaee Port is one of the plans of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), which is under way with a credit of some 46.6 million US Dollars (USD). The mentioned berths aim at providing services to huge 100-thousand ton vessels in that port, and facilitating the transport of petrochemical products, and they are projected for completion within 24 months. With the operation of these 3 berths, the required infrastructures will be created for the exports of over 34 million tons of chemical products per year. According to the same report, the establishment of a logistics town in Shahid Rajaee Port is another PMO s program, negotiations for investors of which has already started to create a complex of 2,400 hectares. The lands required for this project has been dedicated to promoting economic activities that generate added value, installation of production industries and establishment of employment boosters. Furthermore, Iran also aims at promoting maritime tourism in its ports on the Persian Gulf, and activating tourist resorts and building small jetties and berths are some of the priorities for the Iranian efforts on encouraging maritime tourism. At the time being, over million USD has been invested by the Private Sector in Shahid Rajaee Port, and the projects on container and logistical cargo terminals, as well as 4 projects focusing on construction of petrochemical products storage facilities will be completed by the end of the current Iranian Year. The report continues that with the delivery of strategic equipment in the container terminals, a significant portion of the mentioned equipment will be installed within the same period as mentioned above. To Become Operational Soon: India-Afghanistan Transit through Chabahar Port The Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development announced the completion of Phase 1 in Chabahar Port and capacity promotion to 8.5 million tons. He pointed to the fact that the third party of Chabahar Port equipment had entered the country, and that the above mentioned phase would soon be inaugurated by highranking domestic and regional officials. Mr. Mohammad Rastad added: Cargo transit from India to Afghanistan through this port will soon commence by a consignment of 100 thousand tons. During a meeting we had with the Indian Ambassador to Iran, it was agreed that this activity commence in Chabahar Port, and the first vessel for this purpose be welcomed by a ceremony attended by Indian and Afghan Ambassadors, as well as a number of Iranian and regional officials. He then highlighted the firm resolution of regional States to establish transit activities through the mentioned Iranian port. CBC Office Reopening Pursued In another part of his speech, the newly-appointed Managing Director of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) stressed the need to revive commercial activities in Khorramshahr Port: Under the Algiers Agreement, 1975, we are fiercely negotiating with the Iraqi side. The reopening of the Iran-Iraq Joint Common Bureau of Coordination (CBC) is crucial for affairs such as dredging and wreck removal, and we are seriously pursuing that. He clarified that dredging operations in Arvand Rud would help Khorramshahr Port realize its optimal potentials. Amirabad Port: Best in Caspian Sea The Iranian Deputy Minister further recalled the favorable capacities engendered in the northern ports of the country: Amirabad can be considered the best port on the Caspian coasts in terms of established facilities and vast industrial hinterlands, and none of the other littoral States of the Caspian Sea have a port with similar features. Mr. Rastad pointed to the need to nurture tourism along Iranian coasts, and elaborated: PMO provides the required support for tourism infrastructures, including temporary jetties and suitable vessels for tourists, and investors and interested entities are welcome to engage in this field. He added that the export markets in the region needed to be strengthened if the potentials of the northern Iranian ports were to be realized. Iran among 20 Largest Owners of Flagged Ships The PMO s Managing Director highlighted the prospect of modernizing the Iranian fleet in the Persian Gulf as one serious priority, as well as enriching training programs and promoting working quality for seafarers, all of which were being continuously pursued. Mr. Rastad concluded: The quality of our ocean-going fleet needs to be boosted at the international level, since Iran stands at a high ranking among the countries with flagged ships, and is considered to be among the first 20 in the world. 5

4 6 Economical Renovation Facilities for Aged Vessels The Deputy Managing Director for Planning and Resource Development of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) pointed to his organization s support for renovating the maritime fleet and retiring decrepit vessels: A sum from internal resources of PMO has been deposited in banks in the form of credits of the Managed Sums Committee, so that economical facilities can be offered to interested parties in this respect. Mr. Mansoor Arami added that under the coordination in that regard, some million US Dollars (USD) of facilities would be provided to parties active in the maritime transport sector, which would also align with PMO s objectives for developing logistics, maritime tourism and passenger activities. This member of the PMO s Managing Board continued: Old fleet and wooden vessels would be organized and renovated through this plan. PMO Managing Board Transformed With the commencement of the Twelfth Iranian Administration, the Minister of Roads and Urban Development appointed new members for the Managing Board of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) in regard to maritime affairs, engineering and development of infrastructures, and port affairs and special zones, through separate mandates for a period of three years. Under the above mentioned appointments, Mr. Hadi Haghshenas was selected as the Member of Managing Board and Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs, Mr. Mohammad Reza Allahyar as the Member of Managing Board and Deputy Foreign Investors Visit Amirabad Port number of Indian, Malaysian and Turkish A investment companies active in regard to producing cooking oil in Central Asian countries paid a visit to the facilities in Amirabad Port, accompanied by an Iranian counterpart. The Port and Maritime Deputy Director General for Amirabad Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) highlighted the available capacity and facilities for welcoming potential investors, while all the initial required infrastructures had also been established for investment in that northern Iranian port. The legal advantages of special economic zones, tax discounts and added value exemptions were recounted as parameters that would encourage interested parties to invest in Amirabad Port. According to this relevant official, the capacity of cooking oil storage tanks in his port were being increased to 22,500 tons, and the port was fully prepared to domestic and foreign private entities for investment projects in that regard. Managing Director for Engineering and Development of Infrastructures, and Mr. Mohammad Ali Hasanzadeh Mohammadi as the Member of Managing Board and Deputy Managing Director for Ports and Economic Affairs. IMO Announced on 8 September 2017: Ballast Water Management Convention Enter into Force With the ratification of 63 countries, holding 68.5 percent of the global shipping fleet, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM, 2004) on 8 September According to a report by the Public Relations Bureau of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), the Managing Director announced the above news during a World Seafarer s Day Ceremony, and elaborated: The ballast water kept in special tanks to maintain stability and maneuverability of ships can contain harmful organisms, pathogens and invasive aquatic species. Mr. Mohammad Rastad pointed to the fact that such invasive species could disrupt local ecosystems, affect biodiversity and cause extensive economic damage: The mentioned convention was therefore approved in the year 2004, in order to prevent the distribution of such species to new environments and cause damage. Ships are now required to take their ballast water from safe locations, and manage it through treatment in order to remove organisms and harmful agents through various methods approved in the convention guidelines. The Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development added that from 8 September 2017, the convention requirements, such as refraining from discharging untreated ballast water into the sea, holding ballast water management plans and ballast water record books, inspecting and issuing the relevant certificates, and sampling ballast water on new ships (if required) would be compulsory. Mr. Rastad further mentioned that new ships constructed or delivered on or after the mentioned date would need to install ballast water treatment systems (in accordance with Regulation D-2 of the convention). According to the same report, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed during the 71st meeting of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 71) to allow a period of two years for new ships to comply with D-2 requirements and install the mentioned systems, meaning that under Regulation D-1 of the convention, such ships would be required to exchange their ballast waters en route. Moreover, the Regional Organization for Protection of Marine Environment (ROPME) through a circular (MEPC59/INF.3) has required all vessels entering the ROPME Sea Area (RSA) from 1 November 2009 to exchange their ballast waters en route at a distance of at least 200 nautical miles from the nearest land and a depth of at least 200 meters. 7

5 8 Iran among 30 Most Influential IMO Member States The Director General for Seafarers Affairs and International Specialized Organizations of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) announced that Iran had submitted over 130 documents to the meetings of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which included major proposals, and considered his country to be one of the 30 most influential countries at IMO. Previously serving as PMO s permanent representative at IMO for eight years, he placed Iran among the first member States of that organization, which had joined in the year Mr. Ali Akbar Marzban elaborated: IMO Member States fall into a number of categories: some play no effective roles and merely implement the approved regulations, while others (like the 10 pioneers in maritime industries, such as Japan, US, France, Germany, and South Korea) develop and submit the highest number of documents and legal proposals to IMO. He explained that Iran occupied a high position after the mentioned 10 countries, and was actually among the 30 most influential States at IMO. The PMO s Director General added that Iran had submitted over 130 documents to IMO meetings and events, which included major proposals. He further stated: In regard to standards of training and certification of seafarers, a working group was established that was headed by Iran and the United States. We submitted 47 documents, including some corrective suggestions to the STCW Convention, while the US submitted 25. Mr. Marzban pointed to the fact that his country had been the leader and pioneer in the mentioned field, such as the development of some conventions. The Director General for Seafarers Affairs and International Specialized Organizations concluded by mentioning that his country also had a lot to say in regard to maritime security in the world, while Iran played a crucial role in developing and implementing IMO regulations among the 174 countries of the world. PMO s Agenda for Vessel Standardization & Safety Promotion The Director General for Maritime Affairs of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) highlighted sea-based development as one of the policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which needed to be concentrated on from different angles: One aspect of sea-based development is safe, quick and convenient transfer passengers through sea, which is of significant importance for PMO, and requires the appropriate infrastructures in terms of vessels and fleet, as well as the users safety and comfort. Cruise Ships Enter Southern Iranian Islands Mr. Nader Pasandeh considered time to be suitable for engaging in cultural enrichment in regard to maritime tourism: Foreign shipping lines are interested in sending their cruise ships to the Iranian ports, and PMO as the maritime administration plans to have this country included in the tourism packages for the year This has been partially realized, and it is up to the interested foreign companies now to market and offer attractive packages to sell their tickets. Maritime Fleet Safety Supervision Promoted Mr. Pasandeh stressed PMO s supervision and sovereign implementation on safety of navigation of vessels and commercial fleet, and added that flag State control (FSC) and port State control (PSC) inspections served as two effective instruments to promote maritime safety. He continued: In the past year, we attempted to identify all safety issues in the field through periodical supervision and special concentration on passenger and traditional vessels, and then planned the required corrective measures and programs. PMO s Director General for Maritime Affairs explained that the above efforts had included inspectors of FSC, ship registration and classification societies, so that each section could identify and rectify the issues pertaining to their field. He then announced that in addition to the regular PSC and FSC inspections of vessels in Iranian ports, 6 concentrated inspection campaigns (CICs) had also been conducted in the previous Iranian Year. Electronic Supervision over Navigable Waterways Promoted Mr. Pasandeh further elaborated: In order to promote the share of the Iranian flagged vessels in maritime transport, PMO has taken extensive measures for shipping lines after the conclusion of the Iranian Nuclear Agreement, such as facilitating fleet renovation and returning the Iranian owned vessels to operate under the Iranian flag. He concluded by pointing to promotion of electronic supervision over national navigable waterways as a maritime strategy of PMO: For this purpose, all navigable waterways of the country will be centrally managed by using electronic systems and integrating different supervisory equipment such as radars, VTS, LRIT, coastal and satellite AIS, and other position finding systems. 9

6 10 PMO No.36 /Nev Communication Bandwidth Promoted in Iranian Ports The Director General for Information Technology and Communication of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) mentioned the past need for improved connection between Iranian ports and Tehran in terms of bandwidth and security: A contract was therefore concluded to promote the bandwidth in the ports and connect 55 nodes, and the ports can now enjoy broadband connection. Single-Window & Integrated Systems Established Mr. Hamidreza Abayi elaborated: With the capacities of the Private Sector and executing companies, the conditions were created for establishing single-window and integrated systems for electronic data exchange between PMO and Customs, which is a huge stride toward organizing cargo movement in ports and other official nodes of the country. He continued that supervision over trucks carrying cargos in ports was established, and the outgoing invoice integrated system for controlling entry and exit of cargos on trucks was appropriately organized. Mobile AP Containing Updated Port Information Operational The PMO s Director General further explained: Our mobile AP for messaging to the beneficiaries became operational in three versions. The system offers valuable and important information in the form of mobile AP, such as live images, geographic locations, weather conditions, port performance, active companies in ports, and the details of commercial, military, fishing, oil and recreational berths in the country. PMO s Equipment Engineering & Supply DG Announced: Newest Multi-Purpose ORV Being Constructed The Directorate General for Equipment Engineering and Supply of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) announced the construction of the newest multi-purpose oil spill response vessel (ORV). According to a report by the PMO s Public Relations Bureau, the vessel would be capable of not only recovering different types of oil spills at sea through its specially installed skimmers, but would also fighting fire, collecting and storing garbage and other solid objects floating on water. The Director General pointed to capability of this vessel for oil recovery in shallow water, and elaborated on the other special facilities of this dexterous ORV: The vessel being built includes a designated deck for loading and discharging special equipment or personnel to helicopters, hospital facilities and maritime search and rescue. As for the PMO s objective for constructing the vessel, Mr. Farhad Montasar Koohsari mentioned the development of pollution response capacity in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman: This multipurpose ORV complies with the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation (OPRC, 1990), and its Protocol for Harmful and Noxious Liquids (OPRC-HNS), as well as the Iranian marine pollution response system. He recounted the six teams engaged in preparing the different parts of the mentioned vessel, and concluded by projecting that after purchasing the required equipment from foreign manufacturers, the vessel would be prepared by December 2017 for its test launch.

7 12 New Generation SAR Vessels in Iranian Waters With the construction of 2 advanced maritime search and rescue (SAR) vessels, the project for supplying 6 SAR vessels with highest global standards would be completed. According to a report by the Public Relations Bureau of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), the Directorate General for Equipment Engineering and Supply had highlighted the fact that with the increasing number of commercial and passenger vessels sailing in the Persian Gulf, protecting and rescuing lives of the people and crew on board them would become an even bigger priority among the missions of the Iranian maritime administration. The report continued that the construction and delivery of these 6 SAR vessels were agreed to in the year 2011, to be conducted in the Boat Service Iran shipyard under a credit of 6 million Euros. According to the responsible directorate general, construction and using these vessels aligned with the requirements of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue (SAR, 1979), to which the Islamic Republic of Iran had ratified in This generation of SAR vessels built by PMO could sail at a speed of over 40 knots, would be equipped to advanced medical assistance, telecommunication, search and rescue, and fire fighting facilities (in accordance with latest international maritime standards), and would enjoy a self-righting ability. A capacity for rescuing and carrying 16 people with initial medical emergency services, and sailing at force 8 could be recounted as other capabilities of the mentioned SAR vessels. The PMO s Directorate General also pointed to the cutting-edge medical emergency and assistance equipment and the special net for recovering people from water to be available on board the above vessels: The bow, deck, aft and engine room would be controlled by the bridge through closed-circuits cameras, while nightvision cameras provide for sailing at night. According to the Directorate General for Equipment Engineering and Supply, two such vessels were previously delivered in the year 2015, and two others in early The schedules for delivery of the fifth and sixth SAR vessels would be October 2017 and January It is worth mentioning that the hull for the fifth vessel is already completed and equipment and facilities are being installed on it at the being. The sixth vessel is going through the construction stage, with hull parts being transferred from Norway to the mentioned shipyard in Iran. PMO s Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs: We seek economical tourism in the Caspian Sea The Deputy Managing Director for Maritime Affairs of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) pointed to the policies for developing maritime tourism in the northern Iranian waters: At the time being, establishing infrastructures for maritime tourism in the Caspian Sea is not aimed at economic investments, and we rather seek economical tourism in the north of the country. He then mentioned the biggest reason for failing maritime tourism in the Caspian waters, and elaborated: Driving from Astara to Baku in Azerbaijan Republic takes some 3 hours, while sailing from Anzali Port to the same Azeri destination is a 14-hour voyage, which would never be as attractive for tourists as the road trip. Mr. Hadi Haghshenas described the land trip to Baku as faster, and free from problems such as seasickness or being affected by weather conditions, and announced PMO s intentions to make use of catamarans to promote maritime tourism in the northern waters of the country. He concluded: Purchasing such vessels would be costly for investors, of course, and would never be economical for the parties involved without governmental support, which is why we plan to define a model to render maritime tourism economical in the Caspian Sea. 13 PMO No.36

8 14 Third 16-Million-Euro Equipment Consignment Enters Chabahar Port The third consignment of equipment and machineries for Phase 1 of Shahid Beheshti Port Development Plan (with a value of over 16 million Euros) entered Chabahar Port. According to this report, these machineries were transported in the form of separate port inside 25 forty-foot containers, which arrived in their destination on 14 October This third consignment for the mentioned development plan included two grain suction systems, pneumatic grain unloader 600 t/h, which would play a significant role in facilitating grain loading and discharge operations in that southeastern port of the country. The grain suction systems would be jointly manufactured, installed and operated by the German Neuero and Iranian Mashin Sazi Arak Companies, and would be capable of discharging some 600 tons of grains per hour from ships. The report from IRNA recalls the first consignment of this series to have entered Chabahar Port in February 2017 and along a visit by the Iranian Vice- President, which included 9 huge Liebherr cranes from Germany to be installed in the mentioned port. The second consignment arriving in September 2017 were 13 reach stackers (to handle containers within the port yard) and empty container carriers, and the above mentioned third consignment, with the two grain suction systems, enjoyed a value of some 16 million Euros. Chabahar Port Potential for Berthing Liner Container Carriers With an economic, social and environmental sustainable development approach, the Development Plan for Shahid Beheshti Port Complex in Chabahar was designed to achieve a capacity of 83 million tons in five phases. The first phase commenced with a capacity of 6 million tons in the year 2006, and is being executed with significant physical progress. After the Iranian Nuclear Deal, excellent equipment was purchased and installed in the mentioned port, including five shore cranes, four yard cranes, reach stackers, empty container handlers, two grain suction systems, a power plant of 25 megawatts, and a mechanized grain silo of 100,000 tons. Two container berths (720 meters long and 16 meters deep at quayside) were constructed, and 31 hectares of yard hinterlands were reclaimed with a 92-percent progress. Constructing three multi-purpose berths (684 meters long and 14 to 16 meters deep at quayside) and 33 hectares of yard hinterlands, purchasing, transferring and installing 9 strategic shore and yard cranes (with a 100-percent progress under a credit of 20 million US Dollars (USD), purchasing 13 supplementary port systems ready for transfer (including reach stackers, empty container handlers and transtainers) with 100-percent progress are other activities conducted in Chabahar Port. After the completion of the first phase, the loading and discharge capacity of the port is projected to reach 8.5 million tons, including some 740 thousand containers (TEUs), 1.67 million tons of general cargos and 3 million tons of liquid bulk. BIK Development Plan for Joining Third Generation Ports The Port and Maritime Director General of Khoozestan Province spoke about the renovation of fleet and equipment in Imam Khomeini Port: In the past year, we were able to conduct the project for optimizing and restoring the system for power and control of 40-ton gantry cranes, and while rebuilding four grain unloading towers, promoted their capacity by 100 percent up to their nominal capacity. Purchasing three grain unloading towers (Vigan) in the form of a private investment contract, as well as their installation and operation were among other activities mentioned by the above official. The Port and Maritime Director General of Khoozestan pointed to oil zone in that port, and the construction of infrastructural facilities required for that: Facilities such as roads, gutters, water and power supply systems and internet connection has been established in this zone located in the support lands of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), in order to provide quality services to investing companies. He continued about the measures taken in regard to rail services: Restoring the internal rail network was conducted with the aim of increasing capacity, promoting safety of rail operations, and boosting the transport share from Imam Khomeini Port. The highest-ranking official of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) in Khoozestan Province elaborated on their actions in the provincial ports, and pointed to the operation of the first phase for the largest cooking oil factory in the region: With a capacity of two thousand tons per day, this factory can be considered as a huge step toward national self-sufficiency in regard to raw cooking oil. Operation of the first phase of a fully mechanized grain terminal is another project mentioned by The Port and Maritime Director General of Khoozestan, which would pave the way for promoting grain discharge capacity from 28 thousand tons per day to its current amount. He further described the future plans for Khoozestan ports: Through faster attraction of investments and participation of private entities, we expect a number of large project to be conducted with satisfactory results, such as major repairs of berths to increase their vessel berthing capacity in regard to containers, grains and general cargos, installation and operation of production lines number 2 and 3 of the cooking oil factory with a capacity of 4,000 tons, revising the integrated management system, revising and correcting type contracts as required, facilitating laws and regulations for port and maritime activities. 15

9 16 Hormozgan Province to Berth 7th Generation Ships: Second Equipment Consignment Enters Shahid Rajaee Port The Directorate General for Equipment Engineering and Supply of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) announced the entry of the second consignment of equipment and parts to Shahid Rajaee Port Complex and two super-post-panamax gantry cranes for its Terminal 2 in early September He elaborated: After the inspection of the PMO s technical team of STS cranes being constructed in the Irish Liebherr Factory, the transport permission was issued for two super-post-panamax gantry cranes with 67-meter booms, and the ship carrying their equipment and parts travelled from the Irish Fenit Port to the Shahid Rajaee Port in Iran. Mr. Farhad Montasar Koohsari continued: After the removal of sanctions against Iran, we conducted an international tender and concluded a contract worth over 104 million Euros with Liebherr in technical cooperation with the Iranian Hepco Company, for the design, construction and purchase of 12 super-post-panamax gantry cranes (eight cranes with 67-meters booms and four with 61-meter ones). He added that the mentioned facilities enjoyed a high level of design, safety and performance, and were equipped with anti-collision and anti-swing systems, protection against moisture and dust, storm locks, and suitable lighting systems. The PMO s Director General further explained: Through a unique design and excellent construction standards, these cranes enjoy higher performance and life, and a lower weight than similar models, in a manner the reduced structural weight from 1,800 tons to 1,200 would significantly reduce the load on the berth, increase its life and minimize the required costs for repairs and maintenance. He identified the mentioned cranes as the largest ones of their kind in the Iranian ports: With their operation, the container loading and discharge capacity would be significantly increased in Shahid Rajaee Port, productivity promoted, motivation and satisfaction fostered among merchants, port operators and shipping lines, and flourish the economy. Mr. Montasar Koohsari reminded that with the completion of infrastructures in the phase 2 of the port, and their being equipped with the latest equipment technologies in the world, the mentioned port would be enabled to berth container vessels of the seventh generation (carrying over 18,400 TEUs). Most Important Projects under Way in Bushehr Port During the World Seafarer s Day Ceremony, the Ports and Maritime Director General of Bushehr Province announced: At the time being, my province hosts over 174 thousand organize seafarers, which counts for 34 percent of the national total, and the highest provincial share. He continued that over 40 thousand of the mentioned group were active within the same province, and Bushehr also hosted the largest number of vessels among Iranian provinces. Mr. Mohammad Mahdi Benchari elaborated: With the measures taken for port infrastructural development, Bushehr Province is now on a favorable path, and projects are being executed in line with the Sixth National Development Plan. He pointed to one of the above programs as privatizing pilot services in minor ports of that province, which was progressing satisfactorily. The highest-ranking maritime official in Bushehr Province mentioned the progress in the Bushehr Port Development Plan in Negin Island: There has been some 60 percent physical progress in this project, and it is projected that the construction of the first phase of the container berth in Negin Port Complex be completed by late December He further stated that some 1 million cubic meters of dredging needed to be conducted beside the mentioned berth, under a credit of some 5.8 million US Dollars (USD). Mr. Benchari concluded by pointing to the operation for promoting the depth in access channel to Bushehr Port, and predicted that by March 2018 and completion of dredging operations, the channel would be deepened to 11.5 meters and prepared for navigation of ships as large as 50 thousand tons. 17

10 18 Bombed Sunken Vessel Removed from Arvand Rud Depths After the efforts of local and Iranian experts for a month and half, another vessel sunken during the Iran-Iraq War was removed from the depths of Arvand Rud. The Port and Maritime Director General of Khorramshahr Port announced the above news, and elaborated: Thanks to the know-how possessed now by the local and Iranian experts, a sunken tugboat with the length, width and height of 35, 8 and 3.5 meters respectively, was removed from the waters near Arvandan Ship Yard 2 in Arvand Rud, and transferred to the shore. He identified the above as one of the semi-difficult wrecks laying in Arvand Rud, the removal operations for which lasted for a month and half. Mr. Adel Deris counted the wreck as the 19th one included in the operations of the removal project for 39 sunken vessels in Arvand Rud, and added that the removal operations of that project had commenced in September 2016, with a credit of over 18.2 million US Dollars (USD). He continued: Since the year 1993, some 181 sunken vessels have been removed from Arvand Rud and Karoon Rivers, including 56 wrecks from Arvand Rud and 125 from the latter. As the stages of wreck removal operations, the highestranking maritime official of Khorramshahr Port pointed to side-scans and locating the wreck, diving operation, mud-washing, dredging the river bed surrounding the wreck, underwater cutting operation (if required), lifting the wreck out of water, and its transfer to the designated storage area in Khorramshahr Port. He concluded by describing wreck removal from Arvand Rud as a crucial operation for promoting safety of vessel navigation in that waterway: Refloating sunken vessels in this river is required for its dredging as a next step, which is pursued with the Iraqi side by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO). Plan to Make Chabahar Port s Navigation Assistance Signs Smart The ports and maritime director general of Sistan and Baluchistan province Behrooz Aghaei announced the successful implantation of the pilot project on intelligent navigation assistance signs in the port of Chabahar with the lowest cost. The signs of the navigation assistance of the Chabahar port include 9 buoys equipped with special lights on the route of Shahid Baheshti port and Shahid Kalantari port which provide a safe route for arrival and departure of ships to the port for 24 hours and ensuring the health and safety of lights at nights that are essential for maintaining the security of the port s marine traffic, so a continuous review of the buoys is mandatory by marine technicians Aghaei said. He noted that by implementing this project and by integrating electronic and telecommunication systems the situation, without the need for fieldwork of expert, is monitored 24 hours and the control of buoy will be given to the revelant expert by GSM, GPRS and GPS, so that on the event of any problem in the buoys will be reported via calls, SMS and radio modem. He noted that the installation and commissioning of the project was carried out on 5 existing buoys of the Chabahar port and, after final test, were actively delivered to the marine safety administration. Progress in the repair and renovation of railways at Imam Khomeini port The stage of gathering infrastructure and superstructure of the old internal railroads of Imam Khomeini port is being completed in order to implement the repairing project and modernize these lines. According to Public Relations report,ayat Rezazadeh- Deputy of Engineering and Construction of Khuzestan province Administration of ports and maritime referring to the start of the basic repairs and modernization of 13 km of internal railway lines in the special economic zone of Imam Khomeini port in July this year, said that the aim of this project is to increase railway capacity and development of rail transport in the port. He added: At this stage of the project, which is being supervised by the experts of the Khuzestan province Administration of Ports and Maritime,asphalt demolition,concrete and non- concrete asphalt is in progress with favorable development in order to collect the old infrastructure and superstructure of the rails due to end of their useful life. He also said: Referring to the seven-percent physical progress of the project,after completion of the project, with a start-up amount of 288 billion rials, 40 shunts were replaced and the height of the railways will have a noticeable change compared with the previous situation. Rezazedeh reminded at the end: In June this year, with the presence of the Minister of Roads and Urban Development, the major repair and renovation project of the internal railway lines of the special economic zone of Imam Khomeini port was began at a distance of 13 km on two lines of B and Silo. It is estimated that it will be completed within 24 months. 19

11 20 Iran-Greece Agreement to Develop Maritime Transport Market The Director General for International Agreements and Market Development of the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) announced the maritime transport agreement between Iran and Greece to be signed by high-ranking officials of the two countries within the next months. He pointed to the lengthy but organized negotiations culminating in satisfactory outcomes, and elaborated about the resulting documents: The first document was prepared on developing commercial and maritime transport, and the second covers expanded training cooperation in accordance with the international standards of the STCW Convention. Mr. Khosro Sarayi stated the third document to concentrate on port relations of Iran and Greece: Considering the similar features and potentials, we intend to establish cooperation between the Greek ports of Thessaloniki and Piraeus, and the Iranian ports of Imam Khomeini and Shahid Rajaee through implementing these documents. He mentioned the expected facilitation of trades through the above documents, and the their maritime aspects as well: With the final implementation of the maritime agreement between the two states, possible problems of shipping by the two sides would be minimized, their activities strengthened, and facilities provided to their ship crews promoted. The PMO s General Director identified the fully complying with international maritime standards, providing for free and fair competition, and eliminating description in service provision to ships as the final objective of the conclusion and implementation of such maritime agreements, and emphasized: In this way, we intend to ensure equal treatment with Iranian ships in the ports of other countries, such as Greece, since ships related to Iran in any way experienced different kinds of discrimination in foreign ports during the sanctions. Mr. Sarayi concluded by predicting the maritime agreement between Iran and Greece to be signed by high-ranking officials of the two countries within the next months, and added: The maritime agreement with Greece follows the previous similar agreements with South Korea and Kazakhstan, which were realized after over two years of negotiations in order to further pave the way for the brilliant presence of Iranian vessels in international waters and ports of other countries. No.36 Legal Manager: Naghi Amir Esmaili Translator: Ehsan Esmaili Concessionaire: Port and Maritime Organization Published by: Public Relation, P.M.O Address: PMO Building, Shahidi Street, Shahid Haghani Expressway, Vanak Square, Tehran, Iran Tel: Fax: