TEHRAN - Iran has attained 85 percent self-sufficiency in meeting the country’s needs in maritime industry including the items required for repairing and overhauling vessels, an official with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) said.

Deputy Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines for Fleet Development Affairs Abdolreza Mohebbi said that Iran shares about 8,000-km border with the 14 countries, 40 percent of which is the sea and river borders and this issue indicates the importance of the sea for the country from various aspects.

Issues of military deterrence, security and transportation are among the most important and strategic cases and Iran has a longstanding history in this field which dates back to several thousand years, he underlined.

Turning to the significance of maritime transportation, Mohebbi said that IRISL has had strategic importance for the country before and after the Islamic Revolution.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line has always been considered one of the most powerful organizations in the country.

IRISL has attained self-sufficiency in the repair and maintenance services of the vessels, he emphasized.

For the first time in the country's history, 12 ships are being built by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines four of which are operating in Amirabad region, the official added.

Having 141 vessels and about 4,000 expert Iranian seafarers, the IRISL has always tried to play a serious role in the national economy despite the severe sanctions that have been imposed against managers, seafarers, vessels and even containers and fleet equipment.

EF/MA