ICTSI goes to the front - boosts it new box shop in Basra
IRAQ's port of Umm Qasr is enjoying a boost in cargo demand after Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), a wholly owned subsidiary of Manila's International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI), took over last year.
"We are attracting plenty of interest from container lines and have enjoyed a good pace of cargo build-up since we opened the doors after full takeover in November 2014," said BGT chief executive Phillip Marsham.
"Our focus is on performance, employing purpose-built container handling gear and rolling out state-of-the-art IT systems that include value-added links for customers," he said.
"STS crane performance is now peaking at over 30 moves per hour and considerable attention is being focused on training staff, improving terminal security and creating a strong health and safety environment."
In addition to cargo handling and IT systems deployment, the terminal operator plans to upgrade the existing facilities at Berth 20 and construct a new container and multipurpose facility, with the first phase consisting of a 250-metre berth and 20 hectares of backup land.
Pilings for the new quay are being installed, with the global group being the first company in the sector to undertake new berth development. Upon completion, the new facility in Iraq will have a 600-metre berth and 55 hectare backup area.
The terminal also possesses general, ro-ro and project cargo handling capacity.
"General cargo is also healthy," says Mr Marsham, adding that "given the extensive terminal and supporting land areas we possess, we are keen to support our clients' needs on specialised project cargo opportunities. We are already talking to a number of companies in this respect."
BGT is also investing US$130 million in facilities to accommodate some of the world's largest oilfields in south Iraq.