Reuters reported that Iran’s state shipping company will take delivery of 3 new oil supertankers in the first quarter of 2009, boosting its fleet by about 12%.

The new tankers are part of the National Iranian Tanker Company’s nearly USD 2 billion plan to boost its very large crude carrier fleet to 38 supertankers to meet growing demand for oil shipping.

Mr Shseyedan Seyedhabibollah commercial director of NITC said that “We ordered about 10 VLCCs last year, and we will take delivery of these between 2010 and 2011, this is part of our effort to become a global shipping company.” He added that NITC would also be taking delivery early next year of one new Suez max oil tanker capable of holding up to 1 million barrels.”

Iran sits on 11% of the world’s oil reserves, and has the world’s second largest gas reserves. It pumps about 4 million barrels per day to world markets, with roughly 60% bound for Asia and the remaining headed to Europe.