Iraq plans to receive 4 million containers annually at Umm Qasr Port.
Umm Qasr Port in Basra is undergoing rapid development as part of a plan to modernize its infrastructure and enhance its operational capabilities, aiming to increase its annual capacity to 4 million containers.
The port is considered one of the most prominent Iraqi ports, playing a vital role in supporting the national economy and connecting Iraq to global markets. This is achieved through development projects that include expanding docks, establishing advanced storage yards, and adopting modern digital technologies that contribute to accelerating handling operations and improving logistical efficiency.
Investment companies
Several investment companies are responsible for operating and developing various parts of the port. These include the Emirati company Gulftainer, which operates several docks and storage yards and provides integrated customs and logistics services. The Chinese investment company Lorain is also responsible for implementing projects to expand the docks designated for rolling goods and develop large backyard storage areas. These companies, in cooperation with Iraqi personnel, are also contributing to the introduction of digital operating systems that increase performance efficiency and reduce waiting and clearance times.
In this regard, Gulftainer’s Regional Director, Ibrahim Sarhan, told Shafaq News Agency, “Operations at the terminal operated by the company have witnessed a significant shift in recent years,” adding that “the approved electronic system creates a storage plan before the ship arrives, reducing waiting times and increasing handling efficiency.”
He added, “The terminal was built on an area of 450,000 square meters and includes storage yards, refrigerated warehouses, and customs and security facilities operating around the clock.” He emphasized that “customs clearance takes no more than 48 hours, which expedites the movement of goods, especially for sectors such as oil and gas.”
Earthquake-resistant sidewalks
Meanwhile, Naim Abboud, chief engineer at the Resident Engineer’s Department, told the agency, “Lorain Investment Company is developing docks (22, 23, and 24) designated for rolled goods, which were built using an earthquake-resistant heavy wall method.” He explained that “the area of the backyards is 384,100 square meters, and the completion rate has reached 50%.”
Aboud pointed out that “berths (12, 13, 14 and 15) are close to completion, with a completion rate of 97%, while the storage yard (BTM) is 100% complete, covering an area of 400,000 square metres, with a design capacity ranging between 700,000 and 850,000 containers annually.”
For his part, the technical assistant to the port director, Muhammad Tahir Fadhel, told the agency, “Beach (11) extends 375 meters in length, and the area of its container yard is 307,000 square meters, and its operational capacity reaches 636,000 containers annually, and it is managed by Gulftainer.”
He added that “the quays being implemented by Lorain extend 550 meters in length and have a design capacity of 850,000 containers annually,” noting that “the total capacity of the new yards is estimated at 1.2 million containers, with facilities allocated for refrigerated and empty containers and handling various goods.”
Earlier, the General Company for Iraqi Ports revealed to Shafaq News Agency its comprehensive plan for the port, which aims to increase the design capacity to 4 million containers annually, compared to just 1 million containers in 2024. This is part of a strategic vision to transform Iraqi ports into highly competitive regional supply centers.
Shafaq.com