ICTSI will operate and expand container handling capacity and general cargo facilities at the port. Phase one will include a new 200m quay wall and storage yard, with a capacity of 300,000 teu.
“This is by far the largest ever private investment in Iraqi Ports,” said Enrique K Razon Jr, chairman and president, ICTSI.
“The port has seen impressive growth over the past decade ago, and this is testimony to the spirit and skills of Umm Qasr Port’s management team. But current cargo volumes are still only a fraction of what is expected in the future,” added Hans-Ole Madsen, senior vice president for Europe and Middle East, ICTSI.
Once fully built, the facility will have 600m of quay and a 900,000 teu capacity. In addition, ICTSI will operate and manage the existing container terminal on Umm Qasr’s Berth 20.
Located on Iraq’s Gulf coast, Umm Qasr is the country’s largest port and the main gateway to the Iraqi market. It handles liquid and dry bulk, general cargo and containers. It has 21 berths, with a total berth length of 5,000m. In 2013, container throughput totaled 500,000 teu.
ICTSI says this investment will enable it to serve its customers in Iraq – the importers and exporters, shipping lines and the shipping community – at the highest standards and will ensure Umm Qasr becomes the pre-eminent international trading hub for Iraq’s international trade.