Managing Director of the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) Mohammad Saeidi told Tasnim that the event marks the reopening of shipping routes between Iran and European ports after 7 years.

The Iranian vessel contains petrochemical products, which European factories and firms are in dire need of, he added.

The official also unveiled plans for the establishment of shipping routes between Iran and North America within the next few months.

An expected end to Canada’s sanctions against Iran would allow Iranian ships to bring offshore oil industry equipment to the country, Saeidi added.

Earlier this month, Iran loaded its first cargo of oil to Europe since implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany).

A tanker for France’s Total SA and vessels chartered for Chinese and Spanish companies were loaded at Iran’s southern island of Kharg.

The JCPOA, which took effect on January 16, terminated all nuclear-related sanctions on Iran.