The Necessity of Conducting Technical Investigations after Port Accidents, with Emphasis on the Explosion of Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas and a Review of International Experiences

Author
Davood Seifoury
M.Sc., Grad., Safa‌dasht Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/road.2025.225918
Abstract
Ports, as critical nodes within global economic and industrial networks, are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic explosive incidents, the impacts of which can extend far beyond the immediate vicinity. The explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas—alongside notable precedents such as the Beirut Port explosion (2020) and the Texas City disaster
(1947)—highlights the pressing need for systematic technical investigations and the development of regulatory frameworks tailored to the unique operational and infrastructural characteristics of port environments. Drawing on a comparative review of international case studies and an in-depth analysis of the Shahid Rajaee incident, this paper underscores the necessity of rigorous, multidisciplinary post-incident assessments. Active collaboration with scientific and research institutions is essential to accurately determine root causes, identify structural and operational vulnerabilities, and inform the revision of construction and safety standards. The insights gained can serve as an evidence-based foundation for policymaking aimed at enhancing safety, strengthening infrastructure resilience, and preventing the recurrence of similar large-scale disasters.
Keywords
ort Safety
Technical Assessment
Port Explosion
Construction Regulations
Shahid Rajaee Port
International Experience
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