Basra’s Al-Faw Grand Port marks milestone with operational berths

BASRA — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani highlighted Iraq’s vision for economic growth and regional integration during a ceremony on Thursday to mark the handover of five operational berths at Al-Faw Grand Port in Basra. Constructed by a South Korean contractor, the berths form part of the port’s initial development phase, which is expected to be completed next year.

Al-Sudani emphasized the importance of the project in boosting Iraq’s role in global trade. “Large commercial vessels with deep drafts have already docked at the port,” he said. “This signals Iraq’s emergence as a new node in global trade.”

Located on the Faw Peninsula along the Persian Gulf, the Al-Faw Grand Port is designed to be one of the largest in the Middle East. The project, launched in 2010, has seen significant progress with five berths completed and additional infrastructure under construction. Once fully operational, the port is expected to handle an annual capacity of 99 million tons, reducing Iraq’s reliance on neighboring ports and enabling direct access to international markets.

The Al-Faw Grand Port will connect to the planned Development Road, a 1,200-kilometer network of railways and highways linking Iraq to Turkey and Europe. Al-Sudani described the project as a transformative initiative to facilitate faster transportation of goods between Asia and Europe, potentially offering a competitive alternative to the Suez Canal.

“This project has officially entered into global trade and transportation routes, particularly those that cross the strategically significant Middle East,” Al-Sudani stated. He noted that the Development Road would serve as a vital trade artery, fostering economic integration and positioning Iraq as a key regional hub.

The railway component of the Development Road has already received government funding as part of Iraq’s investment plan. The project has also garnered interest from regional partners, including Turkey, Qatar, and the UAE.

Al-Sudani reiterated that these initiatives are part of Iraq’s broader strategy for economic self-reliance. “These projects address Iraq’s current needs while establishing vital infrastructure to connect Iraq with international markets,” he said.