Mohammad Saeidi, chairman of Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), has told Splash of his company’s massive fleet expansion plans in an exclusive interview with Splash.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Danish Maritime Forum in Copenhagen today, Saeidi said his company was well prepared for the lifting of sanctions against Iran and was in advanced negotiations for a series of ship orders.
“We are facing a new situation with the West. There are lots of opportunities, especially for IRISL,” he said, adding: “We have to develop and increase our facilities and ships.”
On the IRISL shopping list are container vessels, dry bulk ships and general cargo ships.
Saeidi said he expected sanctions to be lifted against Iran by the end of December at the latest. By early 2016 he anticipates all European ports will be open to his company without any limitations.
Saeidi said he was looking at forming joint ventures with many of the top 10 containerlines and has already held a number of discussions with leading liners. Splash has reported in recent months on high level discussions between IRISL and MSC and CMA CGM.
Seperately, Saeidi also told Splash that fellow Iranian shipping line, NITC, the country’s giant tanker company will order a slew of ships soon too. “They are looking right now,” Saeidi said.
