CHABAHAR

• Latitude: 25.3175
•
• Longitude: 60.6055
•
• Arabian Gulf
•
• Port in Iran

Address: Chabahar Sistan and Baluchestan Iran

Marine Port Description and Specification: Chabahar, Iran

Overview

Chabahar Port is a strategic deep-water seaport located in southeastern Iran on the Gulf of Oman. It is Iran's only oceanic port outside the Hormuz Strait, offering direct access to the Indian Ocean. This geographical advantage makes it a pivotal hub for regional and international trade, especially for Central Asian countries and landlocked nations like Afghanistan.

Location

• Coordinates: Approx. 25.292° N latitude and 60.645° E longitude
• Province: Sistan and Baluchestan
• Distance to Major Cities: Approximately 727 km to Zahedan (capital of Sistan and Baluchestan province), and around 1,860 km to Tehran.

Port Facilities and Infrastructure

• Terminals: The port comprises two main port areas: Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti.

  • Shahid Beheshti Terminal: Primary focus on cargo handling with a considerable expansion project completed in recent years.
  • Shahid Kalantari Terminal: Smaller in capacity but supports various maritime and logistics activities.

• Berths: Equipped with multiple berths to handle general cargo, container vessels, and bulk cargo.

  • Berths Count: 10 berths.
  • Total Length of Berthing Line: Approximately 2,000 meters.

• Depth:

  • Channel Depth: Up to 16 meters
  • Berth Depths: Varying from 12.5 meters to 16 meters depending on the location.

• Handling Equipment: Equipped with modern handling equipment including cranes, reach stackers, and forklifts.

  • Cranes: Panamax and post-Panamax container cranes.
  • Storage Facilities: Large container yards, warehouses, and transit sheds.

Connectivity and Accessibility

• Rail and Road Links: The ongoing development aims to connect Chabahar via rail to Zahedan and subsequently to the national rail network, enhancing connectivity to Afghanistan, Central Asia, and other parts of Iran.
• Air Access: Chabahar has an adjacent airport, Chabahar Konarak Airport, facilitating cargo and passenger movement.

Capacity and Throughput

• Cargo Handling Capacity: Approximately 8.5 million tonnes annually, with ongoing developments to increase this capacity significantly.
• Container Handling Capacity: Can accommodate up to 1 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) annually.

Economic and Strategic Importance

• Economic Zones: Presence of a free trade-industrial zone (Chabahar Free Zone), fostering investment and economic activities.
• Strategic Initiatives: Part of the trilateral agreement between India, Iran, and Afghanistan aimed at fast-tracking regional trade and reducing logistical obstacles.
  • India's Involvement: India’s significant investment in the port aims to create an alternative shipping route to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Environmental and Security Considerations

• Environmental Measures: Implementation of sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts.
• Security: Measures in place to ensure the safety and security of the port operations, including collaborations with regional and international naval forces.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Location: Direct access to the Indian Ocean, bypassing the Hormuz Strait, providing a gateway for trade with Central Asia and beyond.
• Modern Facilities: Upgraded handling equipment, substantial berthing depth, and expanding infrastructure to meet increasing trade demands.
• Economic Impact: Vital role in regional economic integration and a significant node in the India-Iran-Afghanistan trade corridor.
• Ongoing Developments: Constant upgrades and expansions to enhance capacity, connectivity, and efficiency.

Chabahar port represents a cornerstone of Iran's maritime strategy and regional economic collaboration, striving to become a major logistics hub in the region.