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ICTSI Iraq hits 3m teu milestone

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) subsidiary operating at the Port of Umm Qasr in Iraq, recently passed the 3m teu handling mark.

Michele Labrut, Americas Correspondent

August 10, 2021

1 Min Read
ictsi  iraq
Photo: ICTSI

The milestone was achieved during the handling of Evergreen’s Ever Uranus and coincided with BGT’s seventh year of operations at the country's premiere maritime gateway.  BGT commenced operations in 2014 and now holds the record as the only container terminal in Umm Qasr to handle 3m teu.

“Three million teus in seven years is a remarkable feat.  We continue to focus on strong collaborative efforts with all our customers – the shipping lines, cargo owners and transporters – to maximise our efficiency.  Through efficient operations, digitalisation, and focus on safety, BGT reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s economy and providing world-class service to our growing customer base,” said Romeo Salvador, BGT Chief Executive Officer.

Since BGT started operations, ICTSI has invested more than $250m to modernise the multipurpose terminal.  The investments include the construction of three new berths at BGT East, rehabilitation and expansion of the three existing berths and the terminal yard, acquisition of new equipment including three post-Panamax quay cranes – the largest in Iraq, and implementation of state-of-the-art systems, all of which have helped BGT maintain its market leader position.

BGT is the first and currently the only terminal in Iraq capable of efficiently handling 14,000-teu-boxships. This unique and exclusive advantage continues to help the Port of Umm Qasr attract new services, especially ones that are operated by larger vessels.

Related:ICTSI global container volumes grow 14% in H1

 

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About the Author

Michele Labrut

Americas Correspondent

Michèle Labrut is a long-time Panama resident, a journalist and correspondent, and has continuously covered the maritime sector of Central & Latin America.

Michèle first came to Panama as a press attaché to the French Embassy and then returned to the isthmus as a foreign correspondent in the 1980s.

Author of Seatrade Maritime's annual Panama Maritime Review magazine and of several books, Michèle also wrote for Time magazine, The Miami Herald, NBC News and the Economist Intelligence Unit. She has also collaborated in making several documentaries for the BBC and European and U.S. television networks.

Michèle's profession necessitates a profound knowledge of the country, but her acumen is not from necessity alone, but a genuine passion for Panama.

In 2012 she was awarded the Order of Merit (Knight grade) by the French Government for her services to international journalism and in 2021 the upgrade to Chevalier grade.

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