Iran Deploys New Fleet to Strengthen Maritime Services, Safety Infrastructure
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) has launched 13 new service vessels, including tugboats and rescue craft, across key commercial ports, in a move aimed at enhancing port efficiency and maritime safety.
Among the new assets are four tugboats, each with 1,800-horsepower capacity, designed to improve the safety and speed of berthing and unberthing for cargo vessels.
“These additions will improve the quality of marine services in our ports and address increasing demands for safer, more efficient ship handling,” said Saeed Rasouli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and Managing Director of the PMO.
In addition to tugboats, the fleet expansion includes nine newly built search and rescue (SAR) vessels tailored for high-speed operations in shallow waters.
The vessels feature an 80-centimeter draft and can reach speeds exceeding 30 knots.
“These vessels significantly improve our ability to conduct SAR missions across shallow and coastal areas under national jurisdiction,” Rasouli said.
“They expand the PMO’s operational reach and strengthen our emergency response infrastructure.”
The SAR vessels will be stationed across all coastal provinces to ensure uniform maritime safety standards nationwide.
Alongside the fleet deployment, the PMO has completed the construction of nine firefighting trucks and two mobile loading arms for handling petroleum cargo.
All additional equipment is now ready for active use.
These initiatives align with Iran’s broader strategy to modernize port operations, enhance maritime infrastructure, and bring domestic standards closer to international benchmarks.
