A Turkish power ship operated by KarPowerShip docks at Umm Qasr port in Basra governorate to supply electricity to Iraq’s national grid. Photo by 964media.
First Turkish power ship arrives in Iraq to boost electricity supply
BASRA — Iraq received the first of two Turkish power ships designed to generate electricity, which docked Thursday at Umm Qasr port as part of a government plan to add hundreds of megawatts to the national grid.
Electricity Minister Ziad Ali Fadel told the state news agency, “The first Turkish power ship to generate electricity arrived today at Umm Qasr port with a capacity of 125 megawatts.” He said the Cabinet had approved purchasing energy from floating power stations “to strengthen electricity production and reduce dependence on imported fuel.”
“These barges will contribute 600 megawatts to the national grid and operate on local fuel,” he added. “The first ship arrived, and within seven days it will be fully docked and connected with fuel and transmission lines to enter service officially within the same period, supporting the national system.” He noted that a second ship of equal capacity will arrive next month “under a government contract to supply the electricity system with more than 250 megawatts daily.” Preparations are underway to provide gas oil to run both stations once the operating company begins work, he said.
A source at the ports authority told 964media the project is being implemented under contract with Turkish company KarPowerShip, which operates floating power stations. The two ships are equipped with modern systems and are expected to provide about 560 megawatts, supporting Basra’s electricity grid. The second vessel is scheduled to arrive at Khor al-Zubair port on August 28.
Iraq’s General Company for Ports confirmed the successful berthing of the first ship at berth No. 9 in Umm Qasr’s southern port. Director General Farhan al-Fartousi said, “The General Company for Ports of Iraq succeeded in securing the berthing of the first Turkish ship dedicated to electricity generation at berth No. 9 in Umm Qasr southern port, based on the contract signed between the Ministry of Electricity and KarPowerShip, to supply the national grid with 315 megawatts.”
He added that port crews handled logistics and technical requirements “from marine control, navigation guidance, safety and firefighting, to preparing the berth and infrastructure to ensure the safe arrival and berthing of the ship.” Al-Fartousi said marine affairs staff played “a pivotal role in leading the docking process, reflecting the high readiness of Iraq’s ports to receive specialized vessels of technical complexity.”
The ports company said the arrival reflects cooperation with the Ministry of Electricity and supporting institutions “to provide urgent solutions to the electricity crisis, while strengthening confidence in Iraq’s ability to manage complex maritime operations.”
On August 7, Fadel said Iraq’s power production had reached a record 28,000 megawatts, achieved through maintenance contracts, station upgrades, advanced cooling systems, and some imported fuel.
