Most of Iran's container trade passes through the ports of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while the Caspian ports connect Iran with Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Royan Logistic plans sea freight as part of a door-to-door chain: from your factory or warehouse in Iran to the port, across the sea, and from the port of discharge to the consignee, or the same in the opposite direction.
Iranian ports
| Port | Location | Usually used for |
|---|---|---|
| Shahid Rajaee (Bandar Abbas) | Strait of Hormuz | Iran's main container port; most FCL and LCL services |
| Chabahar (Shahid Beheshti) | Gulf of Oman | Ocean access outside the Strait of Hormuz; India and eastern Iran, transit towards Afghanistan and Central Asia |
| Bushehr | Persian Gulf | General cargo and container services in the region |
| Bandar Imam Khomeini | Khuzestan, northern Persian Gulf | Bulk, general and petrochemical cargo; south-west Iran |
| Anzali, Amirabad, Astara, Nowshahr | Caspian Sea | Russia (Astrakhan, Makhachkala), Kazakhstan (Aktau), Turkmenistan |
Main destinations
- UAE (Jebel Ali / Dubai): frequent short-sea services from Bandar Abbas; approximately 1–2 days at sea. Jebel Ali also serves as a hub for onward services.
- India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra): regular container services from Bandar Abbas and Chabahar; also part of the North–South corridor.
- China and East Asia: direct or transshipment services to Shanghai, Ningbo, Qingdao and other ports. See our China–Iran freight page.
- Europe and the Mediterranean: usually via transshipment hubs; for many shipments the road route through Turkey is an alternative, see freight to Europe.
- Caspian region: Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan from the northern ports; see Russia freight.
Container and cargo types
| Option | Usually suits |
|---|---|
| FCL (20' / 40' / 40' HC) | Regular volumes, full containers, door-to-door delivery |
| LCL (groupage) | A few pallets or cubic metres, shared container |
| Reefer containers | Fresh produce, dairy and other temperature-sensitive cargo |
| Open top, flat rack, breakbulk | Machinery, steel and out-of-gauge cargo; see project cargo |
| Bulk | Minerals, grain, cement, clinker and similar cargo |
For a general overview of container sizes and FCL vs LCL, see our container shipping guide.
Road and rail connections to the port
A sea shipment is only as good as its inland legs. We plan the haulage from your loading point to the port, empty container pick-up and return, and delivery from the port of discharge. From Bandar Abbas, containers can also move by rail to Tehran, Mashhad and other cities; see our rail freight and intermodal pages.
Documents and terms
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Commercial invoice and packing list
- Certificate of origin and product-specific certificates
- Export and import customs declarations
The Incoterms agreed with your buyer or supplier (for example FOB, CFR, CIF or DAP) decide who pays for and arranges each stage; see our Incoterms 2020 guide. Payment and documentation requirements are reviewed for each shipment.
What to send for a quote
- Loading and delivery addresses or ports
- Cargo type, HS code if known, packaging
- Number of pieces or pallets, dimensions, total weight and volume (CBM)
- Container type if known, Incoterms and cargo-ready date
Send the details through our contact page and we will compare ports and services for your cargo.
Frequently asked questions
Which Iranian port do you use most?
Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas handles most container services. Depending on the cargo and destination we also use Chabahar, Bushehr, Bandar Imam Khomeini and the Caspian ports.
How long does sea freight from Bandar Abbas to Jebel Ali take?
Approximately 1–2 days at sea. Door-to-door time also depends on loading, port handling and customs clearance at both ends.
Do you handle LCL shipments?
Yes. Cargo that does not fill a container is consolidated with other shipments. Costs are shared by volume, although consolidation and deconsolidation can add some time.
Can you ship to Russia across the Caspian Sea?
Yes. From Anzali, Amirabad, Astara or Nowshahr cargo can travel to Russian ports such as Astrakhan and Makhachkala, or to Aktau in Kazakhstan. We compare this with rail and road options.
Do you arrange transport to and from the port?
Yes. Haulage to the port of loading, empty container logistics and delivery from the port of discharge are part of our plan.
Can refrigerated or out-of-gauge cargo go by sea?
Yes. Reefer containers are used for temperature-sensitive cargo, and open top, flat rack or breakbulk options for machinery and out-of-gauge items.
