TEHRAN Some 17,457,000 tons of non-oil commodities and oil derivatives were loaded and unloaded in Iranian ports in the first quarter of the year (started March 21). The figure within the period shows 27.5 percent growth compared to that during the corresponding period last year. Imam Khomeini and Bandar Abbas had been the most active ports in the country within the period.

According to a report from the public relations department of the Ports and Shipping Organization, 1,872,883 tons of commodities were exported via the ports in the first three months of the year. Export of bulk goods via the ports in the first quarter of the year showed 26 percent growth compared to that of the same period the year before. Based on the report, 1,055 ships entered the ports in the first three months of the year.

Bandar Abbas ranked first, Bandar Imam Khomeini the second, Bandar Anzali the third and Bandar Nowshahr the fourth among other Iranian ports for hosting 598, 248, 62 and 62 ships respectively within the period. A total of 509,303 tons of goods were transited via the ports within the first three months of the year. Martyr Rajaie Port with 48.60 percent of total loading and unloading within the period, has been the most active port in the country within the first three-month period.

According to the same report, 347,711 passengers either entered to or left the country within the first three months via Martyr Bahonar, Lengeh, Boushehr, Khorramshahr, Abadan and Anzali ports. Number of passengers travelling via the ports within the period showed a growth of 14.1 percent compared to the same period last year. (IRNA)