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The Manila-based global terminal operator, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), has officially opened the first phase of its new greenfield terminal development at Basra Gateway Terminal in the North Port area of Umm Qasr, Iraq. This project is the first entirely foreign financed development of new port infrastructure in Iraq.
The Hon. Minister of Transport for Iraq, Kadhem Finjan al-Hamami was in attendance as Enrique K. Razon, ICTSI chairman and president, formally cut the ribbon, symbolising the opening of the terminal, after which the first container was lifted by one of the two new ship-to-shore cranes installed at the terminal.
Mr. Razon said the opening was a milestone in the development of Iraq’s ports and shipping sector. He added: “ICTSI’s commitment to Iraq is evidenced in major investments in the upgrade of existing berths 19, 20 and the construction of the new terminal incorporating Berth 27. Modern and reliable infrastructure, equipped with state-of-the-art quayside and landside handling systems, is critical for sustainable economic growth. We are confident the new terminal area will boost efficiency and speed the movement of import and export cargo supporting the rapid growth in Iraq’s economy.”
When fully developed, the new terminal area will comprise 600 m of quay and 50 hectares of yard area. Total investment for the first phase development is said to be around US$ 130 million. In addition to the acquisition of new equipment and IT systems, BGT has invested heavily in the training of its workforce, which is drawn largely from the local community.
