IRISL readies European network

With sanctions against it set to be lifted soon, Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) is looking to open up a raft of offices across Europe.

Mohammad Saeedi, the company’s managing director spoke with local reporters in Tehran yesterday, about plans to reengage in European trades later this year. Sales and support offices will be established across Europe, he said, while a very significant number of new ships will be ordered following the seven-year hiatus IRISL has suffered from the sanctions.

Saeedi met with a delegation of Danish shipowners yesterday. He has also met with many other containerlines as he looks to form partnerships on tradelanes from the Middle East to Europe.

Speaking with Splash last October, Saeedi said: “We are facing a new situation with the West. There are lots of opportunities, especially for IRISL. We have to develop and increase our facilities and ships.”

On the IRISL shopping list are container vessels, dry bulk ships and general cargo ships.