The Jairan: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On March 29, 2023, the 'Jairan', one of two vessels sanctioned under the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was observed anchoring at Bandar Abbas. The ship, transporting sodium perchlorate from China, was located at position 56.3515 N 26.9960 E, precisely between Qeshm and Hormoz Islands. Despite its arrival, the 'Jairan' was seen with containers still on deck, suggesting it was preparing to berth and unload at the Bandar Abbas commercial port. Due to the ongoing Eid celebrations, marking the conclusion of Ramadan in Iran, it is anticipated that the 'Jairan' will remain at the turnaround point until these festivities conclude. Interestingly, Iranian authorities did not implement specific security measures for the 'Jairan', which had departed Shanghai without any port stops and maintained an active AIS identification system throughout its journey, showing no signs of an escort while at anchorage. Once it unloads, the sodium perchlorate is expected to be transported by rail to Tehran, eventually getting processed into ammonium perchlorate. The recent shipments on the 'Jairan' and the container vessel 'Golbon' (IMO: 9283033) reportedly provide enough materials to potentially support the production of approximately 250 medium-range Khybar-Shikan and Fattah missiles, along with shorter-range Fateh-110 and Zolfaghar missiles, or equivalent systems used by Houthi forces.

The maritime landscape is once again under scrutiny as the vessel 'Jairan', known for its controversial cargo of sodium perchlorate, is en route to Bandar Abbas. As of March 26, 2025, the ship, which departed from Liuheng, is approximately two days away from its destination, with an estimated time of arrival (ETA) set for March 27. Currently, the 'Jairan' is navigating west of Mumbai at speeds between 12-13 knots, covering roughly 850 nautical miles. This vessel marks the second of two sanctioned units from the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) that docked in Shanghai back in January to load this chemical. Sodium perchlorate serves as a crucial precursor to ammonium perchlorate, a compound commonly utilized in the development of solid-fuel ballistic missiles, particularly by Iran’s military. Notably, intercepted shipments of this material have previously been linked to support for Houthi forces in Yemen, where it is reportedly used to power the Palestine-2 missiles. This missile type is a derivative of the Iranian Fateh-110 and has recently been launched towards Israel in increased hostilities. Adding to the vessel's security considerations, three units of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, namely 'Saviz', 'Artenos', and 'Sheba', are expected to provide critical maritime threat intelligence in favor of the 'Jairan' shortly. The ongoing movements of this vessel are closely monitored due to its implications in regional tensions.

In a significant development, the Iranian vessels 'Golbon' (IMO: 9289033) and 'Jairan' are set to embark from China to Iran within the coming weeks, carrying over 1,000 tonnes of sodium perchlorate, a crucial component used in missile propellant manufacturing. According to intelligence reports from security officials in two Western nations, these transactions may expose the Chinese entities involved to potential U.S. sanctions designed to limit Iran's missile capabilities. Both the 'Golbon' and 'Jairan' are already under U.S. sanctions. Sodium perchlorate is an essential precursor for producing ammonium perchlorate, which is the primary ingredient used in solid propellant for missiles. This chemical falls under the scrutiny of the Missile Technology Export Control Regime, an international framework aimed at preventing proliferation. Initially, both ships were expected to make a direct journey to Bandar Abbas without any intermediate stops; however, with Chinese authorities now informed of the cargo loaded in Shanghai, it is likely that the vessels' routes and contents may be adjusted accordingly.