Chabahar, Oman passenger shipping line resumes operation

Through inter-organizational coordination between Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) and Chabahar Free Trade–Industrial Zone (CFZ), the passenger shipping line between Chabahar and Oman resumes its operation after its first launch in 2016.

According to MRUD news website, Ghasem Askari Nasab, the general director of Sistan and Baluchestan Ports and Maritime Organization, said that development of tourism is one of the concerns of PMO; thus, resumption of Chabahar-Oman passenger shipping line is very important in boosting tourism and promoting bilateral ties. 

He also informed of upcoming investment plans in Makran coasts which lead to development of region and sustainable employment.

Additionally, the CEO of Chabahar Free Trade–Industrial Zone (CFZ), Amir Moghaddam, informed of launching the first direct container shipping line between China and Chabahar just after a 6500-container ocean liner from China docked at Chabahar Port on January 1. Previously the freights were unloaded at Bandar Abbas Port, the capital city of the southern province of Hormozgan, and then transshipped to the Chabahar Port.

The new direct shipping line reduces the cost by $400 per container and the time by ten days in freight transit. This would develop transit in Chabahar as part of its main advantage.

Amir Moghadam further stated that the railway and airport are requirements for the development of free zones and ports, and added: "The free zone has large projects on its agenda, and in terms of logistics in the south and north, useful measures are being taken, which depends on effective teamwork with other organizations.

Chabahar port has geopolitical importance for Iran for being the only oceanic port in southeast Iran with access to the high seas. Currently, the port has different development plans including a rail connection from Chabahar to Zahedan.

The 630-km railroad project is very strategic along the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) as it provides rail connectivity to the ocean port of Chabahar. Previously in November 11, 2022, Zahedan-Khash Railway as a part of this large project in the east of Iran was inaugurated. 

MG