The maritime sector is gearing up for a significant expansion, with the Nowruz 2025 Maritime Travel Facilitation Plan set to revolutionize passenger travel. The Minister of Roads and Urban Development has given the green light to beef up the Shahid Haghani Port fleet in Bandar Abbas, adding two new passenger vessels with a combined capacity of 540 seats. This isn’t just a drop in the bucket; it’s part of a massive overhaul that will see 100 vessels, including 47 passenger ferries and 50 landing crafts, hitting the water, backed up by 150 service boats on full standby. Other key ports aren’t being left out in the cold either, with maritime transport capacity being bolstered to meet the expected surge in demand.
Safety isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s the name of the game. The Deputy Minister of Transport and Acting Head of the PMO has made it crystal clear: “Negligence will not be tolerated.” Passenger vessels have undergone rigorous technical inspections, and maritime search and rescue drills have been conducted to ensure everything is shipshape. Emergency response teams and service personnel are stationed at major ports, ready to spring into action. All vessels must comply with safety regulations and obtain technical approvals before setting sail. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring that passengers can travel with peace of mind.
The workforce isn’t being left adrift either. Saeed Rasouli, at a recent PMO managerial meeting, emphasized the importance of workforce welfare, stating, “The need to improve employee working conditions is paramount.” Adherence to Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards across the country’s ports is a top priority. Specialized training sessions have been conducted to ensure that operational and service personnel are up to the task. It’s not just about getting people from point A to point B; it’s about doing so safely and efficiently.
To make the travel experience as smooth as possible, a round-trip ticketing system has been implemented for high-traffic routes. This isn’t just about preventing congestion; it’s about making the journey as hassle-free as possible. Chabahar Port, for instance, is pulling out all the stops, with 355 personnel, 14 rescue vessels, and 60 tourism boats stationed at 11 coastal tourism stations along the Makran Coast. Search and rescue operations will be on full alert to ensure maritime safety throughout the holiday period.
Coordination meetings have been held across the board, from Astara to Gilan, to ensure that maritime tourism safety measures are implemented effectively. In Astara, key resolutions included stricter vessel safety inspections and permitting boat operations only under favorable weather conditions. In Gilan, measures include dredging of high-traffic routes and the installation of safety banners. It’s all about working together to ensure that passengers can enjoy their travels without a hitch.
Amirabad Port has formed special task forces and conducted search and rescue drills to ensure safe Nowruz maritime travel. Western Hormozgan ports are fully prepared, with 29 vessels deployed for routes to Kish Island and search and rescue teams on full standby. Bushehr’s Nowruz maritime tourism plan features stringent safety controls on vessel operations, with unauthorized vessels prohibited from operating. Golestan ports have also implemented special measures, focusing on safety across piers, vessels, and maritime routes.
The PMO is leaving no stone unturned in its commitment to ensuring safe and seamless maritime travel. Collaboration with key entities such as the Meteorological Organization and the Navy will further strengthen maritime safety, offering travelers a secure and enjoyable experience during Nowruz 2025. This isn’t just about meeting demand; it’s about setting a new standard for maritime travel. So, buckle up, folks. The future of maritime travel is looking brighter than ever.
