ICTSI Iraq delivers record operation
Breaking the 100 moves per hour barrier is a proud moment for all of us at BGT
The International Container Terminal Services Inc.’s (ICTSI) partnership with the General Company for Ports in Iraq to manage, operate and rehabilitate terminal facilities in North Port Umm Qasr, Iraq and to develop and expand container handling capacity via new infrastructure development has resulted in better operations.
As this developed, the 6,589- TEU Yang Ming Mutuality recently departed Basra Gateway Terminal ( BGT) in Um Qasr following a record- breaking turnaround.
The BGT recorded a total of 1,768 moves on the YM Mutuality in just 17.5 hours, achieving a record berth productivity of 101 moves per hour, a first for BGT as it continues to ramp up its service capability.
Service capability
“Breaking the 100 moves per hour barrier is a proud moment for all of us at BGT. It is a testament to our commitment to deliver new service benefits to all our customers and to play a leading role in developing the overall service capability of the port of Um Qasr,” BGT CEO Phillip Marsham said.
According to him, BGT’s expanding service delivery in all sectors of its operations — container, multi-purpose, ro-ro and heavy lift — flows out of its recently completed $250 million investment program, implemented by ICTSI, its parent company.
“This has seen multiple new berth development at BGT East, offering a design depth of 14 meters alongside, served by five modern ship to shore cranes, enabling the handling of vessels of up to 14,000 TEU capacity,” Marsham explained.
The 600-meter berth at BGT East is supported on the landside by a fleet of 10 six high stacking rubber-tired gantries.
Comprehensive upgrade
Notable investment outside the container sector has seen the comprehensive upgrade of the terminal’s Ro-Ro facilities including dedicated warehousing and secure areas as well as in specialized facilities to service the handling of project cargo for the oil and gas sector.
“We will continue to leverage our investments, including those in the training and advancement of the BGT team,” Marsham said.
The record servicing of the YM Mutuality represents a significant waypoint along the path of our continuous improvement program.
Progressively, he said “this will unlock further major benefits for our customers, shipping lines and cargo owners, as well as play a leading role in consolidating and expanding the port of Umm Qasr’s position as Iraq’s premier maritime hub.”