Solyanka Port Iran’s Strategic Base in INSTC: Official
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Solyanka Port is Iran’s strategic base in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Iranian director of Solyanka Port said, adding that the port is a safe and reliable route for the supply of basic goods and commodities between Iran and Russia.
Dariush Jamali put the amount of investment made by the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), in addition to the initial purchasing of 53 percent of shares of the port, at $10 million since 2022.
The Khazar Sea Shipping Lines Company, affiliated to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines, embarked on buying 53 percent of shares of “Astrakhanskiy Port” Company from the owner of Solyanka Port in 2010 aimed at easing the possibility of entering vessels belonging to the Khazar Sea Shipping Lines Company to Russia’s Astrakhan ports.
He further pointed to the relations between Iran and Russia and stressed that historical ties between the two countries are on an upward trajectory.
The trade and economic exchanges between Iran and Russia have progressed well in recent years, the director stated.
From among 13 ports located in Russia’s Astrakhan Economic Zone, Solyanka port has the maximum activity and transporting freight and is considered a strategic maritime trade hub between Iran and Russia.
Solyanka is currently the largest port in the Astrakhan region, situated in the delta of the Volga River.