Iran, Oman launch shipping route

Iran said on Friday that it has officially launched a direct shipping route to Oman in what is expected to help diversify access to international export markets for the Islamic Republic.

The route that has been established between Iran's Shahid Rajaee and the Omani port of Sohar was made operational on 4 February 2016. It will be operated by Khedri Jahan Darya Company for a period of one year.

Khedri Jahan Darya will make trips between Shahid Rajaee and Sohar every 15 days in the initial phase but the trips could increase to once every 10 days in the second half of 2016.

Iran’s IRNA news agency has reported that container ships with a capacity of 96 TEUs or twenty-foot equivalent units will be used in the route for carrying agricultural products and perishable goods between the two countries.

Iran and Oman in April signed an agreement to establish the new route during the visit to Tehran by a large Omani business delegation.

There are already speculations that Iran and Oman plan to use the route to promote trade across the region.

SS