International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) in a statement on Wednesday said its Iraq operation under Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) has successfully handled the largest container vessel to dock at its port in Umm Qasr, the HMM Daon.
ICTSI said the ship’s arrival last March 19 underscores the terminal’s capability to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs), noting that it has “set a new industry benchmark.”
“BGT’s ability to efficiently handle ULCVs is the result of continued infrastructure investments, including the deployment of three post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes. The modern facilities, combined with a skilled workforce, ensure smooth operations at Iraq’s busiest port,” the company said.
In 2014, ICTSI signed a contract with the General Company for Ports in Iraq to manage, operate and rehabilitate terminal facilities in North Port Umm Qasr, Iraq, and to develop and expand container handling capacity via new infrastructure development.
Since then, BGT has developed into a high-performing multipurpose terminal that caters to general, project and roll-on/roll-off cargo.
“With six berths and state-of-the-art technology, BGT remains the only terminal in Umm Qasr capable of efficiently handling 16,000-TEU vessels,” ICTSI said.
