Iraq’s only dedicated container terminal is set to embark on the latest stage of its rehabilitation following a $250m investment programme.
The port of Umm Qasr has formally inaugurated two new berths which for the first time will allow it to handle container vessels of up to 14,000-teu.
The port is operated by Philippines-headquartered International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) under a managing contract signed in 2014.
Berths 25 and 26 at Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) feature three new quayside gantry cranes, each with an outreach of 56 meters and able to handle up to 21 rows of containers on the deck of a vessel.
On the landside seven new, six high stacking, rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) join three existing units bringing the total fleet to 10 RTGs.
“ICTSI’s completion of our multi-phase $250m investment programme highlights our commitment to Iraq and our readiness to meet the challenge of providing much needed, brand new, port infrastructure and handling technology,” said ICTSI chairman Enrique K Razon.
ICTSI’s completion of our $250m investment programme highlights our commitment to Iraq
Enrique K Razon
“We are pleased to lead the way for Umm Qasr to serve higher capacity container vessels, up to and including the so-called ‘new panamax’ class, and as a result to open the door for cargo importers and exporters to benefit from substantial scale economies.”
ICTSI said BGT already receives direct calls from a number of shipping lines but traditionally these vessels have not been fully utilized due to draft limitations.
“The latest berth development removes this limitation plus encourages other shipping lines to introduce larger vessels with the resulting cost and efficiency benefits passing directly to cargo owners,” it said.
Phillip Marsham, chief executive, BGT said: “This is the start of a new era in Iraq’s Port industry. As Iraq’s economy continues to grow, it is imperative to create the necessary port capacity for the future.”
