Iraqs coastline is a highly valuable resource for importing and exporting goods. The Iraqi Ministry of Transportation is working with the Coalition Provisional Authority and other international partners to maximize the effectiveness of Iraq?s ports at Umm Qasr and Khawr Az Zubayr in order to provide safe, modern and reliable facilities to boost trade and help the economy of the New Iraq.
Post Conflict
Re-opened Umm Qasr seaport to commercial traffic June 17.
Umm Qasr is handling larger ships compared to pre-conflict levels. Before the war the port could only cope with eight 10,000 ton commercial dhows. Now it can take (how many?)50,000 ton cargo ships.
On March 1, 243 Iraqi Ports Authority guards were placed into service.
Currently, more than 65 ships offload cargo at the port every month.
Have resumed dredging operations.
All 21 berths are now open to deep-draft ships.
Completed renovation of grain-receiving facility
o More than 200,000 tons of grain has been unloaded since the first ship arrived in mid-November.
o The maintenance and management of the grain-receiving facilities have now been handed over to the Iraqi Grain Board.
Future plans
The grain-receiving facility aims to process up to 9,000 to 10,000 metric tons of grain per day.
One Iraqi dredger has been rehabilitated and will maintain the harbor. Two new dredgers have been purchased through OFF funds.