Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL)’s plans to upgrade its fleet with newbuildings on its Asia to Middle East service have been delayed.

The status of four 14,500-teu neo-panamax containerships being built at Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, South Korea, is unclear after US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose new sanctions on Iran.

Alphaliner says the first of the vessels, Rayen, should have began operating on 25 April, replacing a smaller vessel on the Far East to Middle East services of the Iranian national carrier’s liner subsidiary, Hafiz Darya Shipping Line (HDAS Line).