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)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraqi News
2 hours ago
- Iraqi News
Iraq increases Diwaniyah refinery's capacity to 90,000 bpd
Baghdad ( – The Iraqi Minister of Oil, Hayan Abdul-Ghani, confirmed on Monday that the government started adding a refining unit with a capacity of 70,000 barrels per day to the Diwaniyah refinery. The step will increase the refinery's production capacity to 90,000 barrels per day, according to a statement cited by the state-run news agency (INA). The five-year project is designed to expand Iraq's capacity to produce oil derivatives, cover local fuel demand, and achieve self-sufficiency. The initiative is part of the Iraqi government's attempts to modernize the oil sector, enhance product quality, and increase output. Under a deal worth $800 million, the Diwaniyah refinery in Iraq is undertaking a significant expansion project. The upgrade includes units for liquefied gas processing, naphtha hydrotreating, gasoline upgrading, and isomerization, as well as other critical service facilities. In February, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani attended a ceremony to sign a deal between the state-owned Midland Oil Company (MOC) and a local private company to modernize the Diwaniyah refinery.
Iraq Business
16 hours ago
- Iraq Business
Iraq Eyes Global Operator for Next Phase of Al-Faw Grand Port
By John Lee. 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)
Iraq Business
16 hours ago
- Iraq Business
Basra to Add Four New Water Desalination Plants
By John Lee. The Iraqi government has approved a proposal from the Basra Governorate to include four new water desalination projects in its development plans. The approved plants are: Shatt Al-Arab Desalination Plant, with a capacity of 5,000 m³/hour; Al-Faw and Al-Seeba Desalination Plant, with a capacity of 3,000 m³/hour; Abu Floos Desalination Plant, with a capacity of 3,000 m³/hour; Safwan Desalination Plant, with a capacity of 1,000 m³/hour. These projects aim to address the growing demand for potable water and support public health and infrastructure in the province. (Source: PMO)
