Future of Containerization in Middle East - Methods of Increasing Contribution of Iran

The main objective of this paper is to assess the rate and trend of investment in middle-eastern container ports as well as the performance and growth of container shipping companies in the region. In addition, the paper evaluates the development of container related logistic activities in the region. Consequently, based on the result of the above assessment, a prediction of containerization development and growth in middle-east, as compared to global growth forecast, will be presented. In particular, the paper attempts to depict the contribution of Iranian seaports and shipping companies in promoting regional containerization in past and present, and future.