Maersk returns to Iran after five-year hiatus
MAERSK Line has joined 2M partner Mediterranean Shipping Co in reinstating services to Iran nearly five years after suspending services to the country.
According to MANA, The world’s largest carrier, like others, cut its trade relations with Iran in 2012 due to sanctions imposed by the US, Europe and certain other countries.Following MSC’s move back into Iran at the start of 2016, Maersk Line said that it had met representatives from the Iranian government to discuss possible projects, but any decision on engagement in the transport business in Iran will have to await sanctions repeal.
However, with the majority of economic and financial restrictions now lifted by the west, the Danish carrier joins a host of lines, including CMA CGM, Hyundai Merchant Marine and United Arab Shipping Co in addition to MSC, that have already restored services in post-sanctions Iran.
“With a long and proud history in Iran that dates back 60 years, we are very pleased to be back,” said Maersk Line regional managing director Christian Juul-Nyholm.
“This means that our customers can once again fully utilise our global network, large fleet of vessels and equipment and weekly departures... both to and from Iran.
“We recognise the strong potential of the Iranian market and the crucial role it has in global trade.”