Due to the increase in the volume of imports into Iran since early 1960, many foreign-flagged vessels began to arrive in Iranian ports, which caused some concerns to the country. Considering the nation's long coastline and accessibility to open seas, the government initiated a research study to determine the feasibility of a national shipping line. The research study began in 1961, and was approved by the first general assembly meeting to establish Iranian National Shipping Company in August 1967 under the name "Aria Shipping Lines".