Iraq Eyes Global Operator for Next Phase of Al-Faw Grand Port
The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has announced the near-completion of the infrastructure phase of the Grand Al-Faw Port, with plans to soon select a global operator to develop and manage the superstructure.
Director General Farhan Al-Fartousi told the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) that 11 major international companies have been invited to bid, with the contract to be awarded to the operator that best aligns with the port's technical and commercial requirements.
He also confirmed that several key components of the project, including the main connecting road and five berths, have already reached 100% completion.
In parallel, the GCPI is implementing an advanced maritime navigation and monitoring system in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Al-Fartousi noted that the IMO's technical consultant recently held meetings in Iraq with the Italian firm overseeing specifications for the port's navigation channel. A follow-up visit by IMO's maritime advisor in London is planned for November.
As part of these improvements, GCPI will deploy a new system of buoys and sensors - with lighting akin to airport runways - to enhance visibility for vessels navigating through fog and high humidity. The spacing between buoys will be reduced to 1.5-2 nautical miles (compared to 3 nautical miles in the Khor Abdullah channel) to accommodate large vessels and deep-water operations.
Two offshore platforms will also be installed near the breakwater to monitor wind speed, wave height, and tidal conditions, improving safety for incoming and outgoing ships.
The port has been designed with future growth in mind, including vessel drafts of up to 16.4 metres, and reserves deeper strategic capacity for even larger vessels and expanded trade volumes in the future.
(Source: INA)
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