Muscat: The first ship operating under the direct shipping line agreement between Iran and Oman arrived in Sohar Port on Saturday, reported the Iran – Oman Joint Chamber of Commerce.

The ship had departed from the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, and a number of Iranian and Omani officials attended the ceremony in Sohar, according to the report.

Iran and Oman agreed to establish a direct shipping line between the two countries to enhance maritime trade during the visit of an Omani business delegation, led by Said bin Saleh Al Kiyumi, chairman of Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI), to Iran in late April.

According to the Iranian media, the agreement was signed between the chambers of commerce of Iran and Oman as well as an Iranian private sector shipping company.

Abdolhossein Khedri, the chief executive officer, Khedri Jahan Darya Shipping AG, the private Iranian company involved in the scheme, had said earlier that three vessels, including two container ships and a bulk carrier, will start making trips every 15 days in the initial phase.

"The trips could be held on a weekly basis if Iranian businesses welcome this scheme," he said.In addition, Edwin Lammers, executive commercial manager, Sohar Port and Freezone, had earlier told the Times of Oman that logistical support, including a regular shipping service, is the prerequisite for an increase in trade between Iran and other countries of the world, through Oman.