Iran's first ocean liner was launched in a ceremony on Thursday to start its first journey in the Persian Gulf for 24 hours, ISNA reported.

The ship named "Iran-Arak" was launched in Hormozgan southern city port. It is 185 meters long, 30 meters wide and 18 meters tall. It weighs over 7000 tons and is able to carry over 30,000 tons of cargo or 2,200 containers.

Iran-Arak was manufactured by Iranian experts in Iran Shipbuilding and Offshore Industries Company (ISOICO) costing about $50 million.

Ahmadinejad said on the sidelines of the launching ceremony that Iran is to ban purchase of foreign ships in order to support the domestic industry.

The president also made a visit to the next Iranian ship to be launched named "Iran-Shahre Kord".

... Payvand News - 08/20/09 ... --

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