Ministry of Transport: Plan to support maritime transport with 2,000 containers and 15 boats
Ministry of Transport: Plan to support maritime transport with 2,000 containers and 15 boats
2025-12-19
The Ministry of Transport announced on Friday the commencement of extensive steps to expand investment opportunities in the maritime transport sector. It indicated that maritime transport investments enhance capacity and improve services at Iraqi ports. The Ministry also revealed a plan to support maritime transport with 2,000 containers and 15 boats. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Maitham Al-Safi, told the official news agency that “the maritime transport sector in Iraq is witnessing a rapid revival that combines port development, strengthening the national fleet, and modernizing logistical services.” He explained that “the ports of Basra, Faw, and Umm Qasr have begun expanding berths, deepening channels, and preparing waiting basins capable of receiving large ships. This has contributed to increasing capacity, reducing waiting times, and supporting strategic projects, most notably the Grand Faw Port and the Development Road.”
He also added that “handling terminals are being modernized by introducing cranes and advanced operating systems that speed up the movement of goods and reduce costs, which enhances Iraq’s position as an important transit hub in the region,” noting that “the General Company for Maritime Transport is leading the efforts to develop the fleet by purchasing new ships and maintaining existing ones locally, in addition to implementing service projects, including the river taxi project, which contributes to facilitating transportation within cities, as well as developing maritime shipping lines to increase commercial capacity.”
Al-Safi also indicated that “work is underway to build a modern logistics system that includes free zones, smart warehouses, and electronic clearance systems, in parallel with enhancing security and maritime navigation by upgrading radars and monitoring systems and coordinating with the International Maritime Organization,” stressing that “these projects are integrated with investment partnerships under the (PPP) system, in addition to specialized training programs to build maritime cadres capable of operating modern technologies, and pushing the sector towards more professional and competitive performance.”
He explained that the PPP system is a framework that combines the expertise, efficiency and financing of the private sector with the social responsibility and regulatory oversight of the public sector, to design, build, finance, operate and maintain infrastructure and public service projects that serve citizens.
Al-Safi pointed out that “among the ministry’s ambitious projects is the construction of 2,000 containers, 15 boats, and two ferries to support the river transport infrastructure,” indicating that “the General Company for Maritime Transport has intensified its efforts to overcome the mandatory inspection, which would allow the return of raising the Iraqi flag on the company’s ships and registering them in international ports.”
He stressed that “these investments will contribute to supporting the work of Iraqi ports by increasing the capacity for containers and oil and industrial trade, reducing congestion, improving land and sea connectivity, and linking railways and roads, which will reduce internal transport time and increase the movement of transit goods, and make the ports points of connection between the Gulf, Turkey and Europe.” He continued: “The investments will also be reflected in raising the quality of services, through providing faster handling, improved maritime security, and advanced customs information systems, which will attract international shipping lines and improve the reputation of Iraqi ports, as well as diversifying sources of income and creating local employment and investment opportunities in related sectors.”
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