MRUDNEWS-Speaking at a ceremony marking the change of leadership at the Hormozgan Ports and Maritime Directorate, Shakibi Nasab stated that Shahid Rajaee Port, handling over 60% of the country's foreign trade, plays an irreplaceable and driving role in the national economy, supply chain, and other economic activities.

The Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development expressed gratitude to former Director General Hossein Abbasnejad, describing him as one of the country's maritime elites. "Today we can proudly say that in the field of infrastructure development, completion of maritime and port equipment, and optimal use of private sector investors' capacity, very valuable achievements have been made," he said.

Congratulating Mohammad Hosseini Takhti on his new role, Shakibi Nasab noted that the people of Hormozgan have legitimate expectations from the port complex, both in terms of job creation and its role in the national economy.

The PMO managing director identified several key management priorities:

Private Sector Focus: "If Iran's ports are active and effective today, it is thanks to traders, merchants, investors, and other maritime and port activists. Special attention must be paid to private sector capacity."

Program-Oriented Approach: "All actions and activities must be carried out within a program framework. Transparency in performance is a fundamental principle. We expect activities to be conducted in a glass room so that the honorable people and private sector activists are fully informed about services and performance."

Innovation and Technology: "Shahid Rajaee Port, as the largest commercial port of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is an important and complex entity. We must move innovatively and smartly to compete internationally."

Productivity Enhancement: "Reducing cargo and vessel dwell time in port must be seriously addressed. All colleagues in Hormozgan ports should have precise and effective planning to improve productivity."

Safety Priority: "Maximum care and attention must be given to safety. We have experienced numerous incidents, including the April 26, 2025 accident, and these experiences double the importance of serious attention to preventive measures."

Shakibi Nasab described human resources as an extremely valuable asset, stating: "If a transformation is to occur in an organization, it will only be achieved by relying on specialized, committed, and efficient personnel. The port organization is active 365 days a year, with practically only two days off. This volume of activity and service delivery, especially in supplying essential goods, would not be possible without the support of employees' families."

Hormozgan Governor Ashouri, also speaking at the ceremony, emphasized the special position of Hormozgan Province in the country's maritime transport industry, noting that over 50% of Iran's maritime transport capacity is concentrated in the province.

"Shahid Rajaee Port, as the country's largest port, has national and international functions. In future competitions and the corridor war, this port will play an irreplaceable role, and its position will be elevated. Our goal is to transform Shahid Rajaee Port into a new-generation port capable of industrial processing alongside port activities," he stated.

Hamidreza Mohammadhosseini Takhti, the newly appointed Director General of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime, outlined his management approach based on three core principles: respect and responsiveness to clients, transparency as a guarantor of administrative health, and synergy with specialization.

"Moving toward third and fourth-generation ports requires precise planning and a future-oriented vision. The management door of Hormozgan Ports and Maritime is open to all maritime industry activists, the private sector, and stakeholders. We welcome constructive criticism for improving performance and removing obstacles," he said.

Hossein Abbasnejad, the former director general, described managing the province's ports under sanctions as a "great jihad," highlighting achievements including the revival of dormant ports, activation of the Nakhl-e Nakhoda port for maritime tourism, registration of approximately 8,000 fishing boats, development of rail infrastructure, and progress on a 150,000-ton grain silo ready for inauguration.