One step away from top 15 container carriers
IRISL ascends three ranks in months, marking major operational, fleet gains
In the latest Alphaliner ranking report, the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) has ascended three positions compared to its previous ranking, securing the 16th place among the world's major container shipping lines.
This advancement, achieved within less than a few months, signifies a marked improvement in operational capability and fleet capacity expansion, IRNA reported.
The primary reasons for this company's rise include an increase in TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) capacity and fleet optimization, the development of regional and international logistics corridors – particularly via Chabahar (in southeast of Iran) – and the implementation of an in-house ship repair and refurbishment program. These improvements occurred despite sanctions constraints and led to enhanced operational productivity.
Should this trend persist, the possibility of joining the top 15 companies also exists.
In the new ranking, the company MSC holds the top position, while Maersk, CMA CGM, COSCO, and Hapag-Lloyd occupy the second to fifth places, respectively.
Separately, the CEO of Iran Marine Industrial Company announced on Wednesday that the initiation of procedures for signing a memorandum of understanding to construct the country's first offshore drilling rig, alongside the delivery of two export vessels to Venezuela, ISNA reported.
Manouchehr Alipour stated during a press conference that two vessels ordered by Venezuela had been delivered, with two more currently under construction.
He said that four tankers for the National Iranian Tanker Company and one vessel for the Ports and Maritime Organization in the north of the country are also under construction. This activity has kept the production line for 3,500-ton ships operational.
Furthermore, Alipour noted that the development of port infrastructure in the northern region has increased capacity from 3 to 8 operational parking areas, each generating annual revenues of 200 trillion tomans (approximately $2.17 billion). In the south, the use of concrete slipways and airbag technology has improved ship-launching and transport capabilities.