Iran Returns to the Shipping Forum

Iran’s state shipping lines are poised to return to the world of commercial loans to fund their ambitious vessel replacement programmes to the year 2001.

Not since the 1980s has Iran sought outside funds for vessel orders, preferring instead state subsidy or barter deals. Direct government funding reflected the importance the government has always placed on merchant shipping as the second defense arm to keep the country’s trade routes open in times of conflict.

Now, however, shipping line executives have managed to convince the government of President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani that the best prices for new ships are likely to be gained by paying yards cash, and so barter deals are to be dropped.

This is only an excerpt of Iran Returns to the Shipping Forum

Content is restricted to subscribers. To continue reading please Log-In or view our subscription options.