Iran oil port explosion: Massive blast rocks Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas

Time of India

26-04-2025

Iran oil port explosion shook Shahid Rajaee Port in southern Iran's Hormozgan Province on Saturday, leaving nearly 700 people dead or injured. The
Iranian oil port explosion
, which stunned the nation and raised alarm worldwide, has prompted a major investigation, though the exact cause remains unclear as of now.
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Authorities have halted all operations at Shahid Rajaee Port, while emergency services raced against time to secure the area and rush the wounded to hospitals across Bandar Abbas. Meanwhile, the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company confirmed that its refineries, pipelines, and distribution centers in the region were unaffected and continue to function normally.
Where is Shahid Rajaee Port located and why is it crucial for Iran's economy?
Shahid Rajaee Port lies on the northern edge of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategic waterways in the world, where 20% of global oil trade passes through daily. Specifically, it's positioned near the Khuran (Clarence) Strait, separating mainland Iran from Qeshm Island, and administratively, it belongs to Bandar Abbas County in Hormozgan Province.
This bustling port is about eight kilometers west of Bandar Abbas city center, nestled between Shahid Bahonar Port to the east and the Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex to the west. Its prime spot close to the Persian Gulf's entrance makes it the country's biggest gateway for imports and exports.
Beyond local significance, Shahid Rajaee sits on the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), linking the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf to the Caspian Sea, Russia, and Northern Europe. Thanks to this position, it plays a major role in connecting Asia, Africa, and Europe, helping Iran maintain vital trade routes even under global sanctions.
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What makes the port's infrastructure so important after the Iran explosion?
First opened during the Iran-Iraq War in 1985, Shahid Rajaee Port has expanded steadily to cover about 4,800 hectares today. Half of that area is still under expansion, aiming to create a massive port logistics city to drive re-exports and global trade.
Right now, the port boasts 40 berths, including 10 container berths with depths of 13–17 meters, easily handling large Panamax ships of up to 18,400 TEUs and 185,000 DWT. To put it simply, it can manage some of the biggest vessels sailing the seas today.
Some quick facts:
23 active gantry cranes
19 hectares of roofed warehouses
67 hectares of container yards
A new Phase 3 expansion is underway to add 1,400 meters of wharves and increase capacity to 8.4 million TEUs.
This Iranian oil port explosion not only disrupts Iran's busiest maritime hub but also shakes a place critical for its oil exports, steel, minerals, and petrochemical industries. The port even features dedicated oil and petrochemical berths and a massive 1.2 million cubic meter oil bunker.
Iran had already been investing heavily in Shahid Rajaee's modernization, adding a bunkering terminal for marine fuel and planning a 50 million ton mechanized mineral terminal to keep pace with global demands.
How big is Shahid Rajaee Port's role in Iran's trade and transit?
Before Saturday's massive explosion in Iran, Shahid Rajaee Port handled an enormous slice of Iran's economy:
85–90% of all container traffic
55% of total trade
70% of all transit
In the Iranian calendar year 2023–2024, the port processed over 75 million tons of freight — with 49 million tons being non-oil goods and 26 million tons being oil products.
Recent figures show a whopping 89% increase in freight transit from 2023 to 2024, moving around 5.9 million tons of non-oil freight and 218,164 tons of oil freight. This growth helped position Iran as a vital bridge between Asia and Europe, despite heavy sanctions.
Even globally, Shahid Rajaee Port isn't a small player — it ranks 44th among the world's 3,500 major ports based on its handling capacity, projected to rise to 100 million tons per year after ongoing expansions.
Adding to its strength, the port has connections with 80 major international ports and 21 global shipping lines. Plus, Shahid Rajaee operates as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), offering tax breaks and easier customs processes to attract foreign investment.
FAQs:
What caused the Iran oil port explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port?
The cause of the Iran oil port explosion is still under investigation by authorities.
Why is Shahid Rajaee Port important for Iran's economy?
Shahid Rajaee Port handles 85–90% of Iran's container traffic and connects Iran to major global trade routes.