Iraq’s General Ports Company has announced significant progress in its partnership with an international firm for the management and operation of Al-Faw Port. The company confirmed that multiple large-scale projects would soon be launched at the port, with a focus on expanding its infrastructure and capabilities.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, the Director of the Iraqi Ports Company, shared key updates regarding the construction of the submerged tunnel that will connect the port to the surrounding areas. According to Al-Fartousi, the fixed part of the submerged tunnel will soon be completed, marking a major milestone. This section includes two lanes for each direction of traffic, linking the tunnel to both the external highway and the port’s internal systems. The submerged tunnel comprises 10 concrete blocks, each measuring 11 meters in height, 34 meters in width, and 126 meters in length. These massive blocks weigh a total of 45,000 tons and have already been fully poured in a specialized basin known as the “submerged tunnel basin.”
After the concrete pieces were created, they underwent a thorough inspection and preparation. Subsequently, the blocks were floated and moved into their designated location. Once in place, the pieces were submerged and connected to the fixed sections of the tunnel. The project involves collaboration with several global firms. Technical oversight is provided by the Italian firm Technical, while the Korean company Daewoo handles the execution of the project. A Dutch company, renowned for its expertise in similar projects, has also contributed to the success of this operation. The first piece of the tunnel has already been positioned, and work on the second section has begun. Once all ten pieces are connected, the tunnel will be fully operational, linking the port with the surrounding infrastructure.
In addition to the tunnel development, Al-Fartousi emphasized that the Iraqi Ports Company is nearing a major milestone in its negotiations with an international firm for the management and operation of Al-Faw Port. The firm’s consultants are currently reviewing the proposed contract terms and regulations. Once this review is complete, the proposal will be submitted to the higher committee for final approval. The company plans to move forward with the agreement once all details are finalized.
Moreover, Al-Fartousi mentioned several other exciting developments underway at the port. A large package of projects, including a significant naval base and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) station, are set to be announced within the next month or so. Furthermore, the Iraqi Ministry of Oil is closely monitoring the construction of a refinery and a petrochemical plant within the port’s perimeter, both of which are expected to begin operations soon.
The company also has plans to create an industrial zone, attracting interest from several international companies eager to participate in this expansive project. Al-Fartousi stated that this industrial zone will play a key role in enhancing the port’s capabilities and contributing to Iraq’s economic growth.
Overall, these developments at Iraq’s Al-Faw Port reflect a larger vision to turn the port into a major commercial and industrial hub, with numerous large-scale projects set to bolster Iraq’s infrastructure and economy.
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