Siavash Rezvani: Addressing Systemic Barriers is Key to the Development of the National Maritime Industry

Mr. Siawash Rezvani, CEO of Negin Sabz Middle East Marine Engineering & Services Company, highlighted two critical challenges to the development of the country’s maritime industry during the 4th Maritime Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event: the lack of a formal classification system for domestic component manufacturers and the absence of a structured mechanism for attracting skilled professionals.In his speech, he emphasized the remarkable capabilities of local manufacturers: “Iranian component producers deliver high-quality products that are technically and functionally competitive with international alternatives. However, due to the absence of an official and transparent accreditation system, these manufacturers are underrepresented in official listings and receive limited attention from employers.”Rezvani added: “In the absence of a clear evaluation framework, employers are often forced to rely on imports, which significantly increases costs and overlooks the full potential of the domestic industry.”He further addressed the critical issue of skilled human resources: “Currently, there is no designated authority or platform to effectively supply or attract specialized personnel, creating substantial challenges for companies operating in the maritime sector.”Concluding his remarks, Mr. Rezvani stressed the need for active involvement from regulatory bodies and classification societies: “Addressing these two issues—the classification of domestic component manufacturers and the organization of human resources—is essential for the sustainable development of the country’s maritime industry.”The 4th Maritime Entrepreneurship and Innovation Event was held on September 15–16, 2025, at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing local capabilities, and fostering connections between industry and academia, with active participation from leading managers, researchers, and maritime professionals.