ASTARA

• IRASR
• Latitude: 38.4061
• Longitude: 48.882
• Caspian Sea
• Port in Iran

Location: Astara Gilan Iran

Web-site: http://www.astaraport.ir

Astara is a notable port located in the Gilan Province of Iran, near the border with Azerbaijan. This port is part of Iran's maritime infrastructure and serves as a critical node for trade in the Caspian Sea region. Below are detailed descriptions and specifications for the Port of Astara:

Port Description:

Name: Port of Astara

Country: Iran

Province: Gilan

Geographic Position:

• Latitude: 38.3872° N
• Longitude: 48.8622° E

Location Details:

• Astara is situated in the northern part of Iran on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea.
• The port is close to the border with Azerbaijan, fostering cross-border trade and economic activities.
• It serves as an essential gateway for trade between Iran and neighboring countries in the Caspian region.

Type of Port:

• Astara is primarily a commercial port but also handles passengers.

Port Specifications:

Facilities:

• Berths: Multiple berths for handling a variety of cargo types including general cargo, bulk, and containerized goods.
• Warehouses: Storage facilities for various types of goods.
• Customs and Immigration: Equipped with customs and border control facilities to handle international trade and passenger movement.

Cargo Handling:

• Primary Cargo Types: General cargo, containers, bulk goods (such as grains and metals), and break-bulk.
• Handling Equipment: Cranes, forklifts, and other cargo handling equipment to facilitate efficient loading and unloading of ships.

Navigation:

• Entrance Channel: Dredged to accommodate medium-sized vessels.
• Tide and Current Information: Marinas and ship operators need to be aware of tidal and current conditions which can affect navigation.

Connectivity:

• Road: Well-connected by road to major cities in Iran, facilitating the inland transport of goods.
• Rail: Connected to Iran's railway network, enhancing the throughput of cargo to and from the hinterland.
• Near Border Proximity: Close proximity to Azerbaijan allows for efficient cross-border rail and road transport.

Services:

• Pilotage: Available to assist vessels in navigating through the port’s waters.
• Towing: Towing services are available for maneuvering larger vessels.
• Bunkering: Provisioning of fuel and other supplies for visiting ships.
• Maintenance and Repair: Basic facilities available for ship repair and maintenance.

Regional Significance:

• Trade Relations: Acts as a critical hub for Iranian trade with the Caspian Sea countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.
• Economic Impact: Supports local economies through employment, trade, and related services, contributing to regional economic development.

Security and Regulation:

Port Authority: Governing body responsible for the administration and regulation of the port facilities. Safety Protocols: Adherence to international maritime safety and security standards. Customs Regulations: Stringent customs regulations in place for import and export, ensuring compliance with national and international trade laws.

Development and Expansion:

Recent Developments:

• Upgrades to port infrastructure.
• Expansion programs to increase cargo handling capacity.

Future Plans:

• Enhancements aimed at improving logistical efficiency.
• Potential expansion of warehousing and berthing capabilities to accommodate more and larger vessels.

Environmental Considerations:

• Sustainability Initiatives: Measures in place to minimize environmental impact, including waste management and pollution control.
• Compliance: Adherence to environmental regulations and standards to protect the Caspian Sea ecosystem.

Contact Information:

Port Authority Contact:

• Essential for detailed inquiries, operational details, and specific navigational information.

The Port of Astara plays a vital role in augmenting Iran’s maritime trade capabilities, providing essential services and facilities to support the regional and international trade network.