Tehran and Oslo signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Saturday to broaden mutual cooperation in area of shipping.
The MoU was signed between the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) and Norway’s DNV GL certification body in a ceremony in Tehran.

The MoU covers areas of legal inspections for issuing international certificates for Iranian ships which will travel to the European ports and other important ports of the world.

Addressing the ceremony, IRISL Managing Director Mohammad Saeedi expressed the hope that the MoU would pave the way for expediting cooperation between his company and Norway’s DNV GL.

The Norwegian side, for his part, voiced pleasure in signing the MoU, and said, “DNV GL issues international certificates for the world’s shipping lines and has the capacity to render high-quality services to the IRISL.”

In mid-February, Deputy Foreign Minister for American and European Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi said Iran and Norway are opening a new chapter in ties, particularly in modern technology transfer, finance, and investment.

Speaking at a forum of Iranian-Norwegian investment opportunities and businesses in Oslo, he said after the implementation of the nuclear deal between Iran and world powers there are no longer any restrictions in the way of foreign direct investment, technology transfer and finance in the Iranian market.

“Norway has excellent capacities in shipping, oil, gas, nuclear safety, environment, renewable energies, and finance. Iranian public and private sectors are prepared to sign joint ventures with their Norwegian partners, while acting as a gateway to the region’s growing market,” he added.

This came as Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende in an earlier meeting with Takht Ravanchi had said that Tehran is playing a constructive role in the region, and his country seeks greater cooperation with Iran after the nuclear deal.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran plays a constructive role in the region,” Brende said during the meeting in Oslo.

He underlined that the Norwegian companies’ interest in returning to the Iranian market for joint ventures in light of the July nuclear deal between Tehran and the world powers.

By Hellenic Shipping News