First Iran cargo ship docks at Hamburg

The Azargoun, which belongs to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and can carry 2,500 standard shipping containers, arrived in Hamburg earlier this week, reported Bloomberg.

This has clearly marked the reopening of the European Container Line between Iran and Europe, which was suspended in 2010 due to sanctions imposed by the US and Europe.

Earlier, IRISL Managing Director Mohammad Saeidi had told Iran’s media that the docking of Azargoun in Hamburg meant that a regular shipping service between Iran and Europe had officially resumed after a hiatus of over six years.

Saeidi emphasized that the container ship will soon leave Hamburg after loading an Iran-bound cargo from Europe.

He added that Azargoun will visit the Antwerp port of Belgium on Monday morning before leaving for Iran.

Elsewhere in remarks, the IRISL chief said that Iran has been able to establish two new shipping companies in Europe, adding that the companies have already started cooperation schemes with their European partners.

Saeid emphasized that the same cooperation schemes are expected to facilitate the shipping services between Iran and Europe.

He also said that Iran plans to establish several new shipping lines within the next six months. They, he added, include two separate lines to North America and South America and another to East Asia.

These, Saeidi said, will provide Iran with an extended shipping reach that had been restricted as a result of the US-led sanctions that were eventually lifted in January.