French container shipping company CMA CGM has signed a preliminary agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) which aims at increasing the company’s footprint in Iran, the French government said.
Signed during a visit to Paris by the Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the agreement will cover sharing capacity between CMA CGM and IRISL’s vessels, joint operating of routes, and cooperation in using port terminals. The contract is still subject to other sanctions.
The deal comes following the economic sanctions lifting against Iran earlier this month, as the country has met all the necessary steps to start the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
A number of major shipping companies have already shown their interest in the trading potential Iran has to offer, while Iran’s shipping giants NITC and IRISL are ready to send their fleets to international waters and boost the country’s oil exports.
Global container shipping lines have been slowly returning to Iran since August last year, with CMA CGM and Evergreen of Taiwan being the first ones to launch direct services to the country, followed by China Shipping Container Line, Switzerland’s shipping line MSC and United Arab Shipping Company, while Danish transportation firm Maersk is still considering the return.
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