The President of Amirkabir University of Technology emphasized the importance of standardization in the maritime industry, stating that the Marine Standards Development Office was established through the collaboration between Amirkabir University of Technology and the Marine Industries Organization. The purpose of this office is to promote the culture of standardization within academia, to understand existing standards, and to align national conditions with international standards while fostering their further development.

According to the university’s Public Relations Office, Dr. Abbas Soroush, President of Amirkabir University of Technology, stated during the coordination meeting for the First Conference on Standardization in the Maritime Industry:
“In 1985–1986, Amirkabir University of Technology decided to establish a branch in Bandar Abbas. At that time, due to the circumstances of the war, there was a tendency toward ‘sea avoidance’, meaning that facilities and infrastructure were being relocated to central regions of the country to avoid potential risks.”

He continued: “During that period, Dr. Salimi and Dr. Noorpanah — the then president and vice president of the university, both of whom have since passed away — had a strategic vision and established the Bandar Abbas branch.”

Dr. Soroush added: “In recent years, the national discourse has shifted from ‘sea avoidance’ to ‘maritime orientation’, and fortunately, Amirkabir University of Technology has been a pioneer in this field. One of the university’s defining features has always been its pioneering role in innovation — for example, we established the first Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, the first Faculty of Textile Engineering, and the first independent Faculty of Petroleum Engineering in Iran.”

He noted that alongside the establishment of the Bandar Abbas branch, similar activities were launched in Tehran through the founding of the Faculty of Marine Engineering. “Currently, our operations in both Tehran and Bandar Abbas are ongoing, with a team of nearly 20 colleagues actively working in these two locations. We take pride in serving our country, our people, and the youth of this nation,” he said.

The President emphasized: “If maritime-oriented development is to advance comprehensively and effectively, one of its essential requirements is standardization. This process must be considered across all sectors, including ships and related equipment.”

He added: “Standardization is vital in all aspects of maritime development — including ships, ports, transportation, coastal structures, and emerging technologies such as offshore wind turbines.”

Dr. Soroush stressed the need for continuity: “I hope this path continues successfully. Following the first conference, we must plan to organize the second and third editions regularly. Consistency and continuity in holding such events are of great importance.”

He explained: “The concept of standardization initially emerged to ensure consistent quality in production. In Iran, however, we have often been consumers rather than producers of standards, and in this regard, we are still developing the science of standardization.”

He added: “There remains a considerable gap between the country’s potential and what has been achieved so far. Fortunately, during my visits to several knowledge-based companies, I observed that most employees were young and talented. We do not lack talent — what we need are mechanisms to channel these abilities into results, especially in the field of standardization.”

Finally, he stated: “The importance of standardization in the maritime industry is significant, given the crucial role of the sea in national development and its transnational nature as an industry.”

It is noteworthy that the First Conference on Standardization in the Maritime Industries will be held on December 3–4, 2025, at Amirkabir University of Technology.

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