Basra Gateway Terminal extension goes on stream
The two new berths, Berths 25 and 26, of the Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), have started operations. Their opening also marks the completion of the operator ICTSI’s USD 250 million investment programme in Iraq. Located in Umm Qasr’s North Port, BGT operates a container terminal combined 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, adjacent to the new berths, with the three berths now offering a combined continuous berth length of 600 m. Design depth alongside Berths 25 and 26 is 14 m.
Enrique K. Razon, chairman & president ICTSI, underlined at the inauguration ceremony that the terminal will now be apt "to serve higher capacity container vessels, up to and including the so-called ‘New Panamax’ class (14,000 teu)." (fd)