IRISL defies sanctions, shipped 27m tons of goods last year
Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) announced that the company transported 27 million tons of goods during the last Iranian calendar year – 1403 (began on March 20, 2024), despite operating at the forefront of efforts to counter international sanctions.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday hosted by the Tehran Stock Exchange, Mohammad Reza Modarres Khiabani said, "The company’s vessels have a cargo capacity of 5 million deadweight tons (DWT)."
"The shipping industry is at the forefront of confronting sanctions," he added.
Noting that the IRISL entered the capital market in 2008, the IRISL head highlighted that its primary shareholders are pension funds.
Stressing that the company operates not only in maritime transport but also in rail and road sectors, he said, "The non-maritime divisions of the shipping company are not necessarily tasked with supporting the maritime sector."
Emphasizing the company’s regional and global standing, Khiabani added, "Our shipping company ranks first in the region and 18th globally in cargo transportation. Our fleet is active in both the Caspian Sea and southern ports, and we also engage in logistical, operational, and support services."
The CEO further noted that 70% of the country’s mariners are trained through the company’s educational institute. "Except for 24 emergency personnel, all our employees are Iranian," he said, adding, "The number of foreign staff has declined since 2019, when there were 670 foreign workers. Today, nearly all personnel are Iranian."
Chabahar to become
new shipping hub
Khiabani also revealed plans to expand operations in Chabahar, stating, "We aim to establish Chabahar as one of our key hubs." He underscored the port’s strategic significance, saying, "Chabahar will play a vital role for Iran in the coming years. We are committed to its development, as it aligns with our social responsibility to advance the Makoran region."
Highlighting the company’s international presence, he added, "Our offices in Europe, Russia, China, and India position us to play a pivotal role in the North-South Transport Corridor. However, its full development requires collaboration with governmental bodies. We remain a key stakeholder in this initiative."
The CEO also addressed operations in the Caspian region, saying, "We manage Russia’s Astrakhan Port, which faced sanctions in recent years. Despite this, it remains one of Russia’s most active Caspian ports."
Earlier, during a ceremony marking the 17th anniversary of the company’s listing on the Tehran Stock Exchange, Khiabani said, “The IRISL, as the largest shipping fleet in the West Asia region, achieved a profit growth of over 90 percent in the year 1403 compared to the previous year, reaching 19 trillion Tomans (approximately $228.9 million USD) in the year 1403 from 10 trillion Tomans (approximately $120.5 million USD) in the year 1402.