The shipbuilding industry, which is one of the strategic industries of the country, is still far from having the status of a strategic industry. Job creation in this industry and its related industries has a high capacity. In this regard and considering that the development of the sea-oriented economy in the country is now being considered, we have had a conversation with Engineer Jafar Ethni Ash’ari, CEO of Arundan Shipbuilding Company, which you will read below.

Arundan, who has revived himself, what is his status now?
Currently, the payment of personnel salaries has been updated, and annual debts to retired personnel have been paid, all undecided contracts have been determined, and the two landing craft contracts, which had been suspended for several years, are being carried out again through the current contract and by the company. be
It is worth mentioning that the Zewar catamaran vessel, which was undecided for many years, was handed over to the private sector (through an auction) and the facility approval for the completion of the vessel has been obtained, and in the activity permits section, all operating licenses have been obtained from the Ports and Shipping Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Free Zone. Arvand has been received. The operating license of yard number 2 of Arundan company has been modified and issued with the increase in construction and repairs, environmental permits have been issued for yards number one and two, and this is one of the most important measures, despite the fact that in previous years, it did not have an environmental permit. What has been done is the departure from Article 141 of the Trade and Capital Increase Law.

How many staff do you have?
We have 101 experienced and skilled personnel in the marine industry, and considering the ongoing projects, we intend to attract more skilled workers.
What projects are you doing and what new contracts do you have?
The ongoing projects include: 1-completion of the ornament catamaran float, 2-completion of two landing craft that were not assigned from previous periods, 3-repairs of the Marjan 2 float belonging to the environment, 4-repairs of the Abangar 1 float belonging to the water organization and electricity and 5- carrying out basic repairs of lifeboat 4 belongs to the Ports and Maritime Organization.

Regarding the new contracts, we are in the process of signing a contract for the construction of a 3,000-ton general cargo ship with the capacity to carry containers and cement.

What problems is the company facing?
Not having some equipment and facilities for repairs and water extraction and launching the float, which, however, we have solved this problem through cooperation with the private sector, and the lack of workshop machines, which is also a problem through entering into a contract with the private sector. has been resolved.
Do you have plans to build aluminum floats again? Is its knowledge acquired?
I will answer the second part of the question first. Arundan company is the only company that manufactures aluminum floats in the region and has all the necessary equipment and infrastructure for the production of aluminum floats, while considering having a capable technical and engineering unit and manufacturing 3 Crobots that were delivered to the IRGC. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has been established as well as the construction of 2 all-aluminum catamarans. We take the lead in the construction and repair of aluminum vessels, but in response to the first part of your question, I must say that the contract for the construction of a catamaran vessel with a capacity of 100 passengers was concluded at the request of the private sector. As a result, the preliminary invoice, location map and technical specifications have been prepared and delivered to the applicant, and according to the follow-ups, it is going through the legal procedures and obtaining the necessary permits from the competent authorities (Managed Funds Committee).

Do you have any development plans? And what are your plans to attract domestic and foreign orders?
Yes, development plans are underway for the following:
Development of the company’s operational infrastructure (headquarters and queues)
Securing and protecting the privacy of the company
Development of specialized human resources
Attracting domestic and foreign investors
Development of yard 2 of the company and setting up the existing floating dock
For domestic orders, good negotiations have been conducted with the Maritime Industry Development Fund, the Ports and Maritime Organization, the Environmental Organization and the managed funds committee of the Ports Organization, and negotiations have also been conducted with competent natural and legal persons and investors who have potentially been present in the maritime industry. It has been said that the 300-ton General Cargo vessel is a clear example of this process.
For foreign orders, several meetings have been held with the Khorramshahr Chamber of Commerce, and the necessary correspondence has been conducted with the Consul General of the Iranian Embassy in Iraq, so that, God willing, we can also benefit from the foreign market of this country, which can be a good target market. Also, the price inquiry for the construction of the float has been sent to Oman.

What vessels do you have the capacity to build or repair?
Arundan company has the ability to build cargo vessels with a capacity of 3000 DWT and passenger boats with a capacity of more than 300 people, it also has the ability to build docks, platforms, jackets and pressure tanks, and in the repair department, it has the capacity of docking and repair. We have steel floats up to 90 meters long and in the aluminum section we have floats up to 70 meters long.
Final word:
In the end, it is expected that the respected officials of the province and the country will have a special look at the shipbuilding industry, especially in the cities of Khorramshahr and Abadan, because with the boom in the labor market of the shipbuilding and repair industry in these two cities, Arundan Company has the ability to provide more than 450 Recruit 450 people directly (the company’s own personnel) and 450 contractors to carry out their projects and employ 1000 people indirectly.
It should be noted that Arundan Shipbuilding Company is the only shipbuilding company since 1352 until now, which is professionally and specialized in the field of manufacturing aluminum vessels.