Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Iraqi unit operating at the Port of Umm Qasr, was recently conferred the “Contribution to the Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster Award” at the 2016 Seatrade Maritime Awards for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa.
Last month, ICTSI inaugurated BGT’s USD130 million first phase expansion, which adds a 200-meter berth and 300,000-TEU annual capacity to the terminal. At full build, the new terminal area will feature 600 meters of quay and 50 hectares of storage space.
Held at the Palm in Dubai, the annual awards aims to promote significant contribution and pioneering advancements across the maritime and shipping world.
BGT is thus poised to become Iraq’s first port facility capable of servicing 300-meter container vessels. This will be a game changer resulting in increased efficiency, reduced transportation costs, and seamless trade movement between Iraq and the rest of the Gulf region.
In 2014, ICTSI signed a contract with the General Company for Ports of Iraq to operate, develop and expand the container handling facilities at the Port of Umm Qasr. The contract includes a 10-year concession covering Berth 20, and a 26-year concession that includes the construction of a new terminal under the expansion component of the project.
About BGT
Basra Gateway Terminal (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), BGT serves as a modern gateway to the Iraqi economy, ensuring the free flow of trade between Iraq and markets in the Gulf region.
About ICTSI
Headquartered and established in 1988 in Manila, Philippines, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) is in the business of port development, management and operations. As an independent business with no shipping, logistics or consignee-related interests, ICTSI works and transacts transparently with any stakeholder in the port community. ICTSI’s portfolio of terminals and projects spans developed and emerging market economies in the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. ICTSI has received global acclaim for its public-private partnerships with governments divesting of their port assets to the private sector.