A new shipping route has been launched between China and Iran following the sanctions lifting against Tehran.

Namely, the arrival of the Iranian containership Perarin to Qinzhou Port on Wednesday marked the official kick off of the first shipping service to link Middle East and Beibu Gulf, Guangxi Beibu Gulf Int. Port Group confirmed to Chinese news agency Xinhua.

The ship reportedly delivered 978 containers from countries that form part of the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road. The Chinese president introduced the “Belt and Road” initiatives to build a Silk Road Economic Belt and a 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in 2013.

The new route links the south and southeast China, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE with Bandar Abbas.

The 3,280-TEU ship, owned by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL Group), is underway on a return journey to Bandar Abbas, with expected arrival scheduled for February 9.

The introduction of the new shipping route takes place as efforts of countries rush to tap into the energy and trading potential of Iran now free of years-long economic sanctions imposed by the US-led powers due to Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has already signed several agreements related to transport including the most recent one with French shipping company CMA CGM.

What is more, Iran will be joining for the first time with a national pavilion at SMM Hamburg.

The decision was announced following a visit to Iran by a delegation from Hamburg Messe in December 2015 to attend Iranimex, the International Marine Industries Exhibition. On occasion of this visit, the group invited potential visitors, exhibitors and delegations to Germany.

From: World Maritime News