Iraq
2.1.1 Iraq Port of Umm Qasr
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Port Overview

Umm Qasr Port is the largest Iraqi port as well as the only deep-water port, located in Basra Governorate in Umm Qasr region near Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. It's managed by the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI). The port was established in 1930 and is considered one of the most important ports in Iraq. The port of Umm Qasr was and still is one of the best Iraqi ports controlling an important section of the Arabian Gulf. The port receives giant ships with deep drafts that are difficult to pass through the waters of the Shatt al-Arab. Note that the port was divided into two parts by the Ministry of Transport in 2010 "South" and "Northern", each with its own administration, several operators and container terminals, handling, loading, discharging and warehousing operations. The Ministry of Commerce depends on the port directly for importing various foodstuffs and commodities.

Port website: www.scp.gov.iq/

Key port information may also be found at: https://www.maritime-database.com/port.php?pid=3825


Port Location and Contact

Country

Iraq

Province or District

Basrah

Nearest Town or City with Distance from Port

Basra City 46 (km)

Port's Complete Name

Umm Qasr North Port / Umm Qasr South Port

Latitude

30.0375749

Longitude

47.9270648

Managing Company or Port Authority

Iraq Port Authority (IPA)

General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) - Ministry of Transport (MoT)

Management Contact Person

Captain Ahmed Jassim Naim , Port Director - 009647801016418

Captain Maqdad Nouri, Deputy Port Director - 009647801002754

Captain Mathem Mushkel, Handling Manager - 009647722008227

Nearest Airport and Airlines with Frequent International Arrivals/Departures

Basrah International Airport

Cham Wings Airlines, Emirates, Fly Baghdad, flydubai, Iraqi Airways, Middle East Airlines, Nile Air, Onur Air, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Zagros Airlines

Port Picture

Layout of Umm Qasr South Port

At Umm Qasr South Port terminal operators Gulftainer and CMA CGM are handling containers, Iraqi Port Authority (IPA) is handling bulk and general cargo.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

GCPI (General Company for Ports of Iraq) is a state company under the Ministry of Transport in Iraq, founded on October 9, 1919, GCPI manages all the Iraqi ports and navigation in the territorial waters and administration maintenance and dredging in the navigational channels.
 

Umm Qasr South Port (IQUQS)

The southern port, which was built in the 1940s, is the oldest of the two. Only container bonded storage is available at the port. The Iraqi Port Authorities (IPA) are removing all covered warehouses in the port for private cargo in 2017, and all services and equipment are provided by private terminal operators. The IPA has created a new "electronic gate" control system for calling, stevedoring, and invoicing vessels, which is operated and monitored from a control room that tracks vessel movements and can review the paperwork converted to the electronic system.

Currently, there are 10 berths at this port, all of which are managed by different companies, as listed below:

Berth No. 1: Government (Military berth)

Berth No. 2: Break Bulk/General Cargo IPA

Berth No. 3: Break Bulk IPA

Berth No. 4: Manarat Umm Qasr

Berth No. 5: CMA CGM and APL

Berth No. 6: Belongs to IPA, general cargo

Berth No. 7: IPA

Berth No. 8: Gulf Tainer (used for containers, bonded corridor to Umm Qasr Logistics Centre)

Berth No. 9: IPA

Berth No. 10: Ministry of Trade – Silo for grains

Umm Qasr North Port (IQUQN)

Umm Qasr North Port is now Iraq's busiest port (2020/2021) that can handle all forms of cargo, including containerized, bulk break, and Ro-Ro. Most of the port berths are managed by several private terminal operators with the necessary capacity to handle and store a diverse range of goods. The overall aspect of North Port can be described as well-organized container yards (Gulftainer Terminal (ICT), Aloreen, Basra Multipurpose Terminal (BMT), Basrah Gateway Terminal (BGT/ICTSI) and Umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC)) embedded in a multi-purpose port area.

The railway line between the port and the capital is operational, and containers can be transported to a bonded rail terminal in Baghdad for roughly half the cost of transporting them by truck over the same distance. Trains run once a week, and the rail terminal has the potential to qualify as a dry port.

This port now has four terminals and seventeen berths, all of which are managed by different companies, as stated below. 

Terminal No. 1 Iraqi Container Terminal (ICT)

The terminal consists of two berths (11 A, 11 B) that were newly constructed by Basra Mas Construction company and funded by Gulftainer in 2012. ICT operates jointly with the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) and Gulftainer as terminal operator. Gulftainer was established in 1976. Gulftainer is a privately owned, independent port management and 3PL logistics company based in United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) and for more than 40 years they have been delivering world-class performance to their customers. Highly qualified team with excellent skills performs the operations efficiently. The service quality and operations efficiency enabled the terminal operator to attract well-known shipping lines such as Maersk Line. The port authority staff works jointly with Gulftainer operation team to facilitate cargo delivery operations according to the national rules and instructions.

ICT provides an integrated port operation because the terminal owns the following facilities:

  • Two berths (250 meters each).
  • Two Gantry Cranes.
  • Two Mobile Cranes (100-ton capacity each).
  • Reach Stockers 9 units.
  • Empty Container Handlers 2 units.
  • Storage Yard 25 hectares.
  • Power Supply for Reefer Containers 778 Plugs.
  • Scanner for cargo inspection (operated by Customs Authority).
  • Terminal Operating System (TOS) type JADE System.
  • Compliance with ISPS code requirement.
  • ICT relates to Umm Qasr Logistics Center (ULC), which adds more facilities to the operation, extra storage capacity and modern logistics services.

Terminal No. 2 Basrah Multipurpose Terminal (BMT)

The terminal consists of four berths (12, 13, 14, 15) under a joint operation contract between GCP and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years. The company operational staff and management are performing in an efficient manner making the terminal productivity at higher level. The company profile shows a multiple transport portfolio including terminal operations, storage capacity, cargo clearance services, and land transport with specialized equipment. The terminal recently welcomed Iraq's largest container vessel historically, the 325-meter long MSC Rita. The arrival was marked by a visit from H. E. Captain Kadhim Finjan, the Minister of Transport, who took the helm and successfully piloted the massive vessel safely through the channel. BMT is considered as fully integrated terminal with separated customs authority, gates, cargo inspection scanner, TOS, compliance with ISPS code and qualified management team, both from port authority as well as Aloreen Company.

The terminal provides efficient operations as it has the following facilities:

  • Four Berths 800 m long (200 m each)
  • A 40-hectare open storage yard
  • Four sheds with area of 4,620 m2 each (140 x 33 meters)
  • Four stores with area of 5,610m2 each (170 x33 meters)
  • A storage yard (Ramadan Yard) with area of 9 hectares
  • Two mobile cranes ( 100 tonnes lifting capacity each)
  • Harbor cranes with different lifting capacity (3,8, and 15 tons)
  • Reach Stacker 8 units
  • Empty Container Handler 2 units
  • Power supply for Reefer Containers 288 plugs
  • Lifting mobile cranes for yard operations
  • Forklifts with different capacity
  • Separated Custom Authority
  • Compliance with ISPS code.

Berth No. 16 Marlog Berth General Cargo

The berth is under a joint operation contract between the General Company for Ports of Iraq and Marlog company for a period of 10 years. The Marlog Group handles cargo from worldwide to Iraq, through their own shipping department for part or full chartering, or through their forwarding offices around the globe. In Umm Qasr North Port, Marlog manages a multi-user container terminal at berth 17, which is used by the container lines. The company started operations according to this contract in November 2017 and the rehabilitation of berth, shed, store, yards, and cargo handling equipment undertaken by the company accordingly. The contract includes implementing a TOS as well as ISPS code requirements to perform safe operations.

The berth has different facilities as follows:

  • Berth with 200 meters length
  • Shed with area of 1,320 m2 (40 x 33 m)
  • Store with area of 2,310 m2 (70*33 m)
  • Open storage yards of 21.8 hectares
  • Provides cargo handling equipment.

Berth No. 17 Ataa' Alqurba Berth General Cargo

The berth is under a joint operation contract between the General Company for Ports of Iraq and Ataa' Alqurba Company, which is part of an alliance with Manarat Umm Qasr Company for Marine Services. The company has a considerable profile of port activities and continues to do business with UQNP through attracting a significant number of vessels. The statistics of UQNP have shown that the company has performed the unloading operation and yard operation efficiently, leading to achieve record of unloading 10,000 tons of steel bars per day. They're also handling bulk cargo, break bulk cargo, and containers. This company is operated and owned by Iraqi people 100% with high qualification and skilled workers. The joint operation contract includes the rehabilitation of berth, shed, store, yards, and cargo handling equipment to be undertaken by the company accordingly. It also includes implementing a TOS as well as ISPS code requirements to perform safe operations. The berth has different facilities as follows:

  • Berth with 200 meters length
  • Shed with area of 4620 m2 (140*33 m)
  • Store with area of 5610 m2 (170*33 m)
  • Open Storage yards 16.8 hectares
  • Bulk handling equipment and bagging machines
  • Provides cargo handling equipment
  • Harbor cranes with different lifting capacities.

Berth No. 18 Baha Baghdad Berth General Cargo

Currently, berth 18 is the only berth not-contract and operated by the port authority together with local stevedores. This berth is multifunctional where different kinds of cargo are handled except containers. Normally, using harbour cranes or geared vessels performs the unloading operation. This berth has a storage shed with area of (l 40*33m) and storage shed with area of (l 70*33m). Like other berths, this berth is 200 meters long where different sizes of vessels can be accommodated. The maintenance and rehabilitation of berth 18 is under port authority responsibility, which differs from other berths under joint operation contracts.

Terminal No. 3 Basra Gateway Terminal BGT

The terminal consists of three berths (19,20,21) under a joint operation contract between GCPI and International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) for a period of 20 years. BGT is Iraq's premier container and multi-purpose cargo handling facility at the port of Umm Qasr. Operated by International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), the leading international terminal operator, BGT provides a modern new gateway to Iraq with a service ethic based firmly on meeting shipping line and cargo shipper needs. Investment spans the upgrade of Berth 20, the existing container handling facility, and a major Expansion Project that in the first phase will deliver 200 meters of new container quay, providing an additional 300,000 TEU capacity per annum. Specialized roll-on roll-off capacity is available at Berth 21.

Basra Gateway Terminal delivers major efficiencies to shipping line and cargo shipper clients through an unrivalled service package which includes the following key elements:

  • Specialized container, general cargo/project cargo and RoRo berth facilities.
  • Reefer Services (21 O plugs).
  • Unimpeded berth access.
  • Large, paved, terminal areas offering high quality secure storage capacity and specialized zones for back-up activities such as container stuffing and stripping. 40.4 hectares as open storage yards, 2 sheds with area of (l 40*33m) and one store with area of (l 70*33m).
  • Modern cargo handling plant including ship to-shore container gantries (2 ZPMC) and heavy-duty mobile cranes (2 Libber) able to operate Panamax dimension vessels.
  • A customer focus supported by the progressive roll-out of state-of-the-art IT systems.
  • A highly secure terminal gate and operating overhighly environment with full perimeter fencing.
  • Direct connection to the main Basra Highway and to the major oilfields in Southern Iraq as well as to Baghdad.

Berth No. 22: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction.

Berth No. 23: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction. 

Berth No. 24: Under a joint operation contract between GCP\ and Aloreen Company for a period of 25 years, the berth is under construction.

Terminal No. 4 Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT)

The terminal consists of three berths (25,26,27) under a joint operation contract between GCPI and ICTSI Company for a period of 26 years. (ICTSI) formally opened the first phase of its new Greenfield terminal development at its Basra Gateway Terminal in the UQNP. The terminal is located at the northeast of river number 1 at Umm Qasr and connected to the main Highway. Simultaneously with the rehabilitation of the port's existing facility at Berth 20, just across the bay on a green field site, ICTSI is building a new container and general cargo terminal.

Berth will be 600 m long with the dredged depth alongside consistent with the existing berths within the port and basin, -12.5 m. Container Yard, 50 Ha large, will be used for mixed purposes, both as General Cargo as well as Containers, which will be stacked 4 high. It'll also support several administrative and operations offices supporting the business. 

The berth has different facilities as follows:

  • Currently, there is a 300 meter quayside and an additional 300 meters under construction
  • Currently, Storage yard 20 Hectares
  • Two Gantry Cranes (Terex)
  • Three units of RTG
  • Empty Container Handlers 3 units
  • Terminal Tractors 8 units
  • Mann Truck Heads 4 units
  • 3 units Cargo Inspection Scanner
  • Navis TOS
  • ISPS code compliance

*Contact Details available with the WFP Iraq CO and can be provided upon request.


Umm Qasr South Port, Gulftainer Jetty with Mobile Ship-To-Shore Crane Umm Qasr South Port, General Cargo Discharge onto Truck at IPA-Terminal, bagged cargo is discharged directly onto trucks.


Umm Qasr South Port, Gantry Cranes of CMA CGM Container Terminal


Layout of Umm Qasr North Port


Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 11.


Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 12, 13, 14, 15.


Umm Qasr North Port, Cold Storage Containers of Berths No. 12, 13, 14, 15.


 

Umm Qasr North Port, Warehouse of Berth No. 12.


Umm Qasr North Port, Berths No. 16, 17, 18.


 

Umm Qasr North Port, BGT, Berths No. 19, 20, 21.


Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Berth No. 19.


Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Warehouse of Berth No. 19.


Umm Qasr North Port, BGT Container Terminal at Berth No. 27.


Umm Qasr North Port, BGT, Berths No. 25, 26, 27.


Umm Qasr North Port, RoRo & Containers.


Umm Qasr North Port, Warehouse at UQLC.


Umm Qasr North Port, UQLC Cold Storage Warehouse.

For more information on customs in Iraq, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information. 

Terminal Information

Main Storage Terminal

  1. Umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC):

The umm Qasr Logistics Center (UQLC), an area of 750,000 sqm, has been developed just to the north of umm Qasr Port and is ideally placed to provide an extension to the terminals at the port. The logistics center is fully integrated with facilities to enable value-added services like verification, packaging, labelling and other services. UQLC has direct access to the main Basra - Umm Qasr Road and is placed to take advantage of all the opportunities arising from the impending boom in the Oil and Gas sector. The logistics center contains bonded facilities, in-house customs, life support systems and professional security.

  1. Other Storage yards with different operators and sizes to be used for storage services of different kinds of cargo as following:
  2. Yards AB24 and AB25 (Rayanat Alood Company) 8.2 Ha.
  3. Albadeyah Yard 8 Ha.
  4. AIBeedan Yard 3.3 Ha.
  5. lbraheem Yard 3.8 Ha.
  6. Saady Yard 0.5 Ha.

It is feasible to set up a warehouse within Basra city, either private or state-owned (MoT) warehouses/compounds. Trucking services with different capacities are available at the port.

Stevedoring

The terminals operator companies have the capacity to perform stevedoring and bagging and ensure that the proper cargo is delivered to the correct trucks and the vessel agents coordinate delivery from the cargo to the truck.

Hinterland Information

While the ports in Iraq have been safe for several years, there are still areas of the Iraq hinterland where security remains a real and high-profile concern.

Port Security

Reinforced and gated security procedures are in place.

Security

ISPS Compliant

Yes

Current ISPS Level
(Level 1 = Normal, Level 2 = Heightened, Level 3 = Exceptional)

Level 2

Police Boats

Yes

Fire Engines

Yes

 



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