Iran to order 600,000 TEU in newbuilds, 18,000-TEUers among them
Time：2015-12-14
Browse：71
The orders could total to 600,000 TEU in all, plus new general cargo ships and bulkers. At present, IRISL has a fleet of 160 vessels.
The news gives more detail to reports earlier in the year that IRISL would look to modernise its fleet, reports Maritime Executive, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
"We are facing a new situation with the west. There are lots of opportunities, especially for IRISL," recently appointed chairman Mohammed Saeidi told reporters. "We have to develop and increase our facilities and ships."
Current sanctions ban Iranian vessels from American and EU ports, but the lifting of the restrictions is expected early next year as Iran shows compliance with its recently negotiated nuclear accord.
IRISL is said to be in talks with Chinese banks for financing to buy from China`s hungry shipyards.
Shipping analysts suggest that container vessels operating on the major Asia-US and Asia-Europe routes are operating below cost, and that consolidation and capacity reduction will be essential to bring shipping supply in line with demand.