The port operator said in a press release that its phase two expansion to be completed in stages by the third quarter of 2019, was driven by strong demand.
The expansion will add 400m of new quay with a draft of 14m, alongside a new 30-hectare yard area and a 15-hectare secure parking area, three post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes and seven rubber tired gantries (RTG), showing the high service levels and modern facilities offered by BGT to shipping lines and cargo owners.
The overall design provides for handling container vessels of up to 9,000 teu capacity. When the second phase is completed, ICTSI would have invested over $250m for a new berth, yard construction, and state-of-the-art handling equipment pushing BGT to an annual handling capacity of over 1m teu.
Underlining BGT’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high service levels, the latest round of development also includes the acquisition of a cutter suction dredger with the dual objective of ensuring strict adherence to the construction schedule and maintaining draft alongside the terminal’s new and existing births.
“We are listening to our customers and are proactively meeting their needs,” said Phillip Marsham, BGT executive officer.
“The second phase expansion will not only allow us to respond immediately to scale needs, but also deliver added flexibility to the whole container handling operation with diverse benefits flowing to our customers,” he added.
In the first quarter of last year, BGT completed the first phase of its terminal greenfield project, which included the construction of a new 250m berth and a 15-hectare yard area.
Last year also saw BGT’s expansion of its service portfolio with the development of quay and yard areas configured for the safe and efficient handling of oil and gas project cargoes, allowing BGT to establish successful partnerships with the oil and gas industry.
In January, operations at Berth 21 began with the introduction of a dedicated roll-on, roll-off (ro-ro) facility.
“Our commitment to helping Iraq develop international standard port infrastructure continues to expand,” said Hans-Ole Madsen, ICTSI senior vp and regional head of Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
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