Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC)

Shipping
18
Switzerland

[email protected]

"MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., like other major container shipping lines, has been taking bookings for Iran-related trade after the 2015 JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) effectively lifted certain sanctions on Iran in exchange for limits to its nuclear program. In consideration of the impending U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA, and corresponding re-enlargement of its sanctions program, we regret to inform you that MSC is ceasing to provide access to services to and from Iran. The U.S. government has outlined a wind-down period in the coming months and we will do our utmost to collaborate with you to conclude this period with the minimum disruption to your business and to avoid any unnecessary inconvenience. While MSC is not accepting bookings for shipments originating from Iran, or destined to Iran, we will continue to carry certain legally acceptable cargoes during the wind-down period, notably for importation of foodstuffs." (5/16/2018)

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“MSC is reviewing its services, operations and business relationships to understand if any are impacted and will comply with the timetable set out by the U.S. government,” the private Swiss-headquartered group said in a statement on Friday…A shipping source said MSC had already stopped taking bookings for certain cargoes that would be impacted by the sanctions programme.” (5/12/2018)

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"As a result of the nuclear deal, Iran’s marine activities are now completely back to normal,” the official was quoted as saying in January. Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s second-largest shipping line in terms of container vessel capacity, and Evergreen Line are among top shipping lines that have resumed cooperation with Iranian ports." (October 19, 2017)

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"So despite concerns over regulation and reputation, that opportunity explains the caravan of container carriers that started resuming service to Iran back in January. Mediterranean Shipping Co. has returned, as has CMA GGM [likely CMA CGM misspelled]. Panalpina began planning for a potential lifting of sanctions two years before it happened, and now offers regular air, ocean and road services to Iran." (Global Trade, "Transportation/Logistics:Iran is Back Open for Business," 11/1/2016).

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“Fourteen international shipping lines have returned to Iranian ports following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the formal name of the nuclear deal signed by Iran with the West), the deputy head of Ports and Marine Organization of Iran said. Mediterranean Shipping Company, the world’s second-largest shipping line in terms of container vessel capacity, and Evergreen Line are among the top shipping lines engaged in economic interactions with Iranian ports,” he said (Financial Tribune, "Int'l Shipping Lines Back to Iran," 9/27/2016).

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Operates as a liner & feeder in Iranian ports.  (Ports and Maritime Organization: Shipping Lines which operating in Iranian Ports)

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Uses Tidewater Middle East Co.’s private terminals in the Shahid Rajaee Port Complex. (Tidewater: Reflection of Tomorrow)

On June 23, 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Tidewater Middle East Co. (“Tidewater”), Iran’s major port operator, because the IRGC owns it and uses it for illicit activities including weapons shipments. (U.S. Department of the Treasury Press Center, “Treasury Sanctions Major Iranian Commercial Entities,” 6/23/11)  The EU followed with its own sanctions against Tidewater on January 23, 2012. (Official Journal or the European Union: Council Decision 2012/35/CFSP)

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Listed by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization as doing business with the Iranian Forogh Darya.  (Ports & Maritime Organization: Companies Affairs Department: Liners)

 

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MSC lists two agency offices in Iran in the cities of Tehran and Bandar Abbas. (Company Website)

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In the Persian 1384 (2005/2006), the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran awarded MSC's Agents in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Sea Glow Shipping Agency LLC, the prestigious "Best Shipping Agency Company." In a statement, MSC said, "It is a matter of pride that the Sea Glow Shipping Agency LLC team in Iran have been able to get this prestigious award for the first full Persian year since we started commercial operations as agents for MSC in May 2004." ("Prestigious Award for MSC Agent in Iran," 8/22/06)