With more than 5,800 kilometers of coastline and direct access to open waters via the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, Iran holds a strategic place in global maritime transport. The country’s ports serve as the backbone of national trade, linking the domestic economy to international markets.
In this framework, Special Economic Zones have been established at Imam Khomeini Port, Shahid Rajaee Port, and Amirabad Port, providing favorable conditions for attracting investors and accommodating production and industrial units. These measures have contributed to the classification of seven Iranian ports as second-generation ports, capable of evolving into comprehensive logistics and cargo distribution centers.
Hamidreza Abaei, Executive Director of Development Projects at the Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO), said that the second-generation status of these ports has been widely accepted by shipping lines and cargo owners. He added that more than 5,000 private-sector companies are currently operating within these zones, reflecting strong investor confidence.
Looking ahead, experts highlight the potential for further advancement. Masoud Polmeh, Secretary General of the Iranian Shipping Association and Related Services, noted that five Iranian ports have the capacity to become third-generation ports. These include Shahid Rajaee Port, Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar, and Imam Khomeini Port in southern Iran, as well as Amirabad and Caspian ports in the north.
Polmeh emphasized that continued investment, along with the development of the Makran coasts and the expansion of oil, petrochemical, and metal industries, could significantly enhance the strategic and competitive position of Iran’s ports in the region, even amid external challenges.
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