A cargo ship docks at Iran's Chabahar Free Trade-Industrial Zone.[/caption]TEHRAN (Tasnim) An Iranian maritime official said the port city of Chabahar, located in the countrys southeasternmost corner, is prepared to host large cargo vessels after the suitable docking infrastructure was developed there .
Following a recent dredging operation at Chabahar and a careful planning, large ships with capacities of up to 80,000 tons can now dock at the port, Ali Jahandideh, deputy head of Irans Ports and Maritime Organization told the Tasnim News Agency.
He also noted that a 50,000-deadweight ton cargo ship carrying grain will berth in Chabahar within the next two weeks.
Chabahar is a port city on the east coast of the Sea of Oman. It is strategically crucial as it gives access route to landlocked Afghanistan. Chabahar port, which is surrounded by a free trade zone, is vital particularly since Pakistan does not allow transit facility from India to Afghanistan.
In late August, Jahandideh had unveiled plans for the development of Chabahar with or without the cooperation of India, which has raised the issue of investment in the strategic port city for years.
Back in May 2013, India had held discussions with Iran on the issue during a visit by Indian External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid.
By Tasnim News Agency
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