A deputy petroleum minister says Iran has purchased 17 giant liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers during the past two years in a bid to ramp up export of LPG and petrochemicals.
Mohammad Souri, deputy petroleum minister for strategic affairs, said the carriers were added to the country's fleet of LPG carriers which comprised of only 8 carriers before the current administration took office in 2013, shana reported.
The newly-purchased carriers are hoped to boost Iran's LPG and petrochemicals exports, said the official, adding there are still shortcomings in this sector which are to be resolved.
Five of the carriers are purchased by National Iranian Tanker Company and the rest are supplied by private sector investors, said Souri.
National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) is in talks with European countries to resume work amid hopes for the lifting of sanctions against the Islamic Republic, NITC manager said in April.
“With the finalization of Iran’s nuclear agreement, the ground will be paved for the resumption of NITC vessels’ travel to markets in Europe,” Ali-Akbar Safaei said.
Iran is looking for investors to produce liquefied natural gas (LNG) for delivery to gas customers, Safaei said.
“We lagged behind in this market due to the sanctions. Now we are looking for investors,” he said.
“LNG project is vital for Iran. Markets in the East and the West need Iran’s gas and we can produce production-transport-consumption chain in this sector,” he added.
Safaei said LNG market is a good opportunity for the future, adding: “Given the rivalry in marine transportation and flexibility in shipping, Iran’s LNG exports would be done by ship and at competitive price.”