FRENCH shipping giant CMA CGM signed preliminary vessel sharing agreement with Iranian shipping company IRISL, reports Maritime News Journal of Varna, Bulgaria.

According to the report, the agreement calls for the joint use of vessels, handling services and co-operation in terminals operations.

Following the agreement both companies will cooperate with vessel capacity sharing and joint operating of routes to Iran, which will provide more efficient services and better connectivity.

IRISL is Iran's largest shipping cargo carrier and was recently removed from the international sanctions list, opening routes and access to world trade markets.

The agreement marks the first deal between an international line and IRISL since sanctions were lifted.

"The progressive lifting of sanctions should bring strong growth in trade between Iran and the rest of the world. This agreement opens new opportunities for CMA CGM to expand in this region", said CMA CGM in official statement.

CMA CGM and Taiwan's Evergreen were the first carriers, which resumed direct transportation to Iran in August last year and added country's ports to their loops.

Later the Iranian ports were added into the routes of MSC, but Maersk Line is still passive on Iranian markets.

Separately, IRISL announced plans to order new 18,000 TEU ships from Chinese yards. The orders could total to 600,000 TEU in all, plus new general cargo ships and bulk carriers. Currently the Iranian shipping company IRISL has fleet of 160 vessels.