UMM QASR ANCH

• Latitude: 29.6296
• Longitude: 48.7216
• Arabian Gulf
• Anchorage in Iraq

Location: Umm Qasr Basra Governorate Iraq

Web-site: http://port.umq.wb.com

Umm Qasr is Iraq's primary deep-water port, located in the Basra Governorate just off the Persian Gulf. It serves as a critical logistics hub for the country's imports and exports, playing a vital role in Iraq's economy. Below are some key descriptions and specifications of Umm Qasr Port:

Location and Accessibility

• Geographical Coordinates: Approximately 30.0375° N latitude and 47.9191° E longitude.
• Proximity to Major Cities: It is situated around 60 kilometers south of Basra City and near the border with Kuwait.
• Accessibility: Well-connected via road and potentially rail links extending to Basra and other parts of Iraq.

Infrastructure and Facilities

Port Layout

• Berths and Quays: The port has multiple berths divided between North Port and South Port areas. These include container terminals, general cargo terminals, and specialized facilities for bulk and liquid cargo.
• Anchorage Areas: Designated anchorage zones for ships waiting to berth. Both inner anchorage and outer anchorage are available.

Cargo Handling Capabilities

• Container Terminals: Fully equipped to handle containerized cargo with container cranes, straddle carriers, and other handling equipment.
• Bulk Cargo Facilities: Facilities available for handling dry and liquid bulk cargo such as grain, coal, petroleum products, and chemicals.
• General Cargo: General cargo terminals are equipped to manage break-bulk cargo, including vehicles, agricultural equipment, and other general freights.
• Ro-Ro Facilities: Roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) facilities are available for handling vehicles and heavy machinery.

Storage Facilities

• Warehouses: Multiple warehousing facilities for the temporary storage of goods.
• Open Storage Areas: Open storage yards for containers, bulk materials, and other goods.
• Tank Farms: Storage tanks for liquid cargoes, including oil and chemicals.

Navigation and Pilotage

• Pilotage: Compulsory pilotage services are provided to assist ships entering and exiting the port.
• Tide and Depth: Depths at berths vary; some berths can accommodate large vessels with significant draft, while certain areas are limited to smaller vessels due to shallower depths.

Port Services

• Tug Assistance: Available for maneuvering vessels in and out of berths.
• Bunkering: Fueling services for ships are available within the port.
• Repair and Maintenance: Basic ship repair and maintenance facilities are available. More extensive repair works might need to be carried out in specialized shipyards.
• Customs and Immigration: Onsite customs and immigration facilities streamline the clearance process for cargo and personnel.

Security and Compliance

• ISPS Code Compliance: The port adheres to the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code ensuring stringent security measures.
• Port Health: Health inspection services are available to ensure compliance with international health regulations.

Future Developments

Umm Qasr Port has seen several development projects aimed at expanding its capacity and enhancing its infrastructure. Future projects may include:

• Expansion of container terminals and increased container handling capacity.
• Construction of additional storage facilities and modern logistics centers.
• Deepening of draft limits to accommodate larger vessels.

Economic and Operational Significance

• Economic Role: Serving as Iraq's gateway for international maritime trade, Umm Qasr plays a crucial role in the national economy.
• Operational Significance: Acts as the primary port for both humanitarian aid deliveries and commercial cargo, representing a strategic asset for rebuilding and development efforts in Iraq.

This comprehensive infrastructure and operational detail make Umm Qasr a focal point for maritime logistics in Iraq, supporting various industries and trade activities crucial to the nation's economic recovery and growth.