First containerised service for Iraq waterway

A new weekly feeder service has been established between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) ports of Jebel Ali and Hamriyah and the container terminal at the historic Al Maqal Port in Basra, Iraq, operated by NAWAH Port Management (NPM), a business unit of North America Western Asia Holdings (NAWAH).

The scheduled service, operated by UAE shipping companies Sea Sands Shipping and Trans Act Shipping, calls at NPM’s ‘Berth 14’ facility in the port (also known as the Port of Basra), becoming the first containerised movement of cargo on the 120-mile-long Shatt Al Arab waterway running through southern Iraq.  Previously, the port handled a wide array of general cargo, from construction material to dates.

“NPM’s operation is serving the growing demands of both local merchants and international firms seeking a conveniently close port with streamlined customs clearance,” said Nicholas Kunesh, head of NAWAH’s port management business line.  “The arrival of container vessels is significant for the citizens of Basra as this city is restored to its rightful position as a key trading centre on the Gulf.”