In light of the lifting of the sanctions against Iran, Maersk Line is considering plans to resume services to country, but has not yet decided when, even though 2M partner Mediterranean Shipping Co has already returned.
The world’s largest containership operator said in a statement on Monday that it regarded Iran as an interesting market.
“We are looking into how and when we can resume container transportation services to and from Iran,” Maersk said, adding that no further details would be shared at this point.
The cautious stance contrasts with MSC and some other lines that resumed calls to Iran ahead of the formal removal of sanctions.
MSC’s 9,400 teu MSC Domitille discharged 599 teu at the southern Iran port of Shahid Rajaee, or Bandar Abbas, on New Year’s Eve. Cargo consisted largely of foodstuffs and agricultural commodities.
Services were suspended in 2012, although MSC said that since April 2014, it had partially resumed operations by utilising a third-party feeder service which allowed cargo to be transhipped in Jebel Ali.
MSC Domitille is deployed in the New Falcon service, between Asia and the Middle East, with transit times of 21 days from Shanghai to Shahid Rajaee. This is not part of the 2M vessel-sharing agreement with Maersk.
MSC’s return followed a visit to Iran last year by MSC president and chief executive Diego Aponte who was invited by the government for informal meetings with logistics partners to understand the trading landscape and prepare the ground for business operations in post-sanctions Iran, the company said.
CMA CGM said it had resumed Iran services last August, while ensuring it was in full compliance with all applicable national and international regulations.
A number of Asian carriers have also been serving Iran for several months.
Source: lloydslist.com
