Europort has become the official and exclusive international partner of IRANIMEX, the leading maritime & offshore exhibition in Iran. The agreement brings together the brand behind the maritime and offshore industry’s most vibrant conference and exhibition, Europort, and the gateway event covering unprecedented industry opportunities in Iran.

From 2016, the new partners will combine the blueprint established for previous IRANIMEX events and the international expertise that the Europort name conveys, under the brand ‘IRANIMEX powered by Europort’. The 18th IRANIMEX exhibition, powered by Europort will be held from 18 – 21 October 2016 on the island of Kish.

Following the lifting of trade sanctions in January 2016, funds have quickly been released that make Iran one of the most exciting maritime and offshore growth prospects in the years ahead. Pent up demand to modernise the nation’s infrastructure and transport capabilities is encouraging an unparalleled eagerness to convert international business opportunities into firm contracts. The strength of demand for technological renewal triggered an order for 118 air buses within days of sanctions being lifted, while government interests are currently seeking US$2.5 billion in investment to modernize the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) fleet.

Maritime & offshore giant

Iran sits on the third largest oilfield in the world holds the second largest reserves of natural gas globally. It has a coastline of almost 6,000 km and is strategically connected to the Caspian Sea, The Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Port development will lead to a growing fleet of work and patrol boats, as well as demanding necessary dredging operations. Offshore exploration and expanding oil and gas sectoral needs will require new ships, platforms and services. In the years ahead, hundreds of ships and platforms are expected to be added to the Iranian fleet, supported by an investment guarantee of US$120 billion already announced by the Iranian government.

Gateway to Iran

There is urgent demand from parties in Iran to secure maritime and offshore equipment and technological solutions from overseas partners, with a series of contracts already announced via the maritime and offshore press. IRANIMEX offers suppliers, ship builders, ship owners and service providers an easy gateway to Iran by providing fully-equipped participation packages. International exhibitors can contact Rotterdam Ahoy, the organiser of Europort. More information is available via www.europort.nl/iranimex.

Strategic location of Kish Island

The 18th IRANIMEX exhibition, powered by Europort will be held from 18 – 21 October 2016 on the tropical island of Kish. This popular holiday resort island is only a short (30 minute) flight from Dubai International Airport and caters to international travellers on a daily basis. There is no need for a visa and travel around the island is cheap and easily arranged. Kish Economic Free Zone generates average yearly foreign trade flows equivalent to $9.2 billion and is the thoroughfare for 15% of all imports into the Iranian mainland. Iran’s main shipbuilding region is right across the water, making Kish Island the perfect location for this event.