Speaking to Fars News, Mohammad Shakibi-Nasab, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Managing Director of the Ports and Maritime Organization, emphasized the need to strengthen port network resilience under emergency and wartime conditions. He outlined strategies including passive defense requirements, balanced cargo distribution across ports, railway transport development, and diversification of transit routes.
Ports Served as Frontline Support During War
Shakibi-Nasab stated that during the War, Iran’s ports operated as frontline service and support hubs. Despite threats and attacks on port environments and surrounding areas, maritime and port services continued without complete interruption — demonstrating the strength of this vital artery.
Development Projects Continue Despite 40% Performance Drop
Acknowledging an approximately 40% decline in port performance during those conditions, Shakibi-Nasab noted that while this naturally impacted the organization’s revenues, it should never become an excuse to halt development and infrastructure projects. “These projects must continue with precise management, smart planning, and proper resource prioritization,” he said.
24/7 Operations and Expedited Essential Goods Clearance
The ports chief stressed the necessity of continuous 24-hour operations, instructing port managers to constantly monitor operational processes and report coordination obstacles with executive bodies at the national level.
He noted that achieving the target of moving 17 million tons of cargo through northern ports requires accelerating cargo clearance. Coordination with Iran’s Customs Administration has resulted in permits for “direct shipment” and priority clearance for essential goods. Facilitation headquarters for cargo clearance in provinces must remain active to identify and resolve obstacles involving all relevant agencies.
Shakibi-Nasab described the 12-Day War and Ramadan War as major lessons in complying with passive defense requirements. “Dispersal of equipment and vessels, and determining their positioning, must be pursued seriously — because concentrating equipment in close proximity dramatically increases damage scope during incidents,” he warned.
He added that all alternative capacities in northern and southern ports, including warehouses and storage facilities around ports, must be identified and prepared for immediate use in emergencies.
Smart Maritime Traffic Management and Balanced Cargo Distribution
The official identified balanced cargo distribution among ports as essential for improving productivity and network resilience. He noted that at some southern ports, cargo vessels are waiting in queues due to equipment shortages and obsolescence.
Citing Bandar Amirabad as an example, he said numerous ships are anchored waiting for berths, while other northern ports have available capacity. “With cooperation between the State Trading Organization and the private sector, cargo and vessel arrivals must be managed to optimally utilize all port capacities through balanced distribution,” he stated.
Rail Development, Fleet Modernization, and Port Diplomacy
Shakibi-Nasab highlighted railway transport development as another requirement for supply chain resilience, noting that a portion of government procurement-related cargo must move by rail. He said the Seventh Development Plan’s mandate to increase rail share will be pursued seriously.
He also emphasized accelerating the modernization of maritime and port equipment to enhance operational capacity and readiness for various conditions.
In his concluding remarks, Shakibi-Nasab pointed to the necessity of creating alternative transport routes, including utilizing the capacity of neighboring countries’ ports. “Developing these routes through economic diplomacy will significantly enhance transport network flexibility and strengthen the country’s trade resilience,” he said.
He concluded that the experience of the 12-Day War and Ramadan War clearly demonstrated that maintaining operational readiness, developing alternative capacities, modernizing equipment, and inter-agency coordination are fundamental requirements for sustaining services and ensuring cargo flow under crisis conditions.
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