Iraq is embracing the move to digitalize its maritime sector, with plans to establish a maritime single window for the major ports of Umm Qasr (North and South).
A team of IMO experts completed a mission to Basra (30 June – 4 July) to identify what support the country needs to deliver on its ambitions.
(MSW)
Since 1 January 2024, all IMO Member States are required to use a one-stop digital platform or “Maritime Single Window” (MSW) to exchange key information among relevant stakeholders and agencies involved in the arrival, stay and departure of ships at ports. This streamlines procedures, boosting the efficiency of shipping worldwide.
Umm Qasr ports
With more than 80% of Iraq’s imported goods passing through the Umm Qasr ports, a maritime single window system will save time and costs. Once implemented, it will be extended to the Al-Faw Grand Port, scheduled to open in December 2024, and other Iraqi ports in the future.
Field visits
IMO consultants met with Iraqi senior port officials, representatives from the maritime administration, government ministries and other relevant authorities. The team undertook field visits to observe the various port operations.
The detailed report
The detailed report of the mission, including recommendations, will serve as a reference for the development of the MSW system in Iraq, in accordance with IMO principles and guidance. It will guide the development of related IT platforms which will interact with the MSW.
(ITCP)
The mission was delivered through the IMO’s Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) in coordination with the Maritime Attaché of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, and the Ministry of Transport of Iraq, through the state-owned General Company of the port of Iraq.
Iraq’s only deep water port
Umm Qasr Port is Iraq’s only deep water port, part of the city of Umm Qasr.
Iraq’s second biggest port in scale of size and goods shipped, ranking behind the port of Basra, it is strategically important, located on the western edge of the al-Faw peninsula, where the mouth of the Shatt al Arab waterway enters the Persian Gulf. It is separated from the border of Kuwait by a small inlet. Prior to the Persian Gulf War, traffic between Kuwait and Iraq flowed over a bridge. The port is part of the Maritime Silk Road
