International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) formally launched two new berths which for the first time offer the port of Umm Qasr, Iraq’s main dry cargo port, the ability to handle container vessels of up to 14,000TEU.
The inauguration ceremony marked both the opening for business of the two new berths, Berths 25 and 26, and the completion of ICTSI’s total USD250 million investment programme at its Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT).
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Located in Umm Qasr’s North Port, BGT operates a high capacity container terminal, along with specialised facilities for the handling of general cargo, ro-ro, dry bulk and project cargo for the oil and gas sector.
Earlier development included the construction of Berth 27, near to the new berths, with the three berths now offering an overall continuous berth length of 600m. Design depth alongside Berths 25 and 26 is 14 meters.
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, are installed on the quayside. On the landside seven new, six high stacking, rubber-tired gantries (RTGs) join three units, bringing the total fleet to 10 RTGs.
BGT has also conducted several works that provided more services in addition to the core container handling and storage processes. Dedicated areas for reefer handling, export container stuffing and secure truck parking have been developed and currently a 10-hectare yard expansion is underway to cater for future growth.
Outside of the container sector BGT has also significantly invested into the terminal complex’s ro-ro facilities with this including dedicated warehousing and secure areas. What is more, specialised handling services and facilities have been created to accommodate the efficient handling of project cargo for the oil and gas sector including secure open storage and warehousing.
ICTSI’s completion of our multi-phase USD250 million 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.
Enrique K. Razon, Chairman & President, ICTSI, stated.
