The Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) broke its turnaround productivity record during the visit of the Yang Mind Mutuality and made 100 berth moves-per-hour for the first time, according to International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI).
The BGT in Iraq recorded 1,768 moves on the 6,589 TEU vessel in 17.5 hours. Phillip Marsham, BGT CEO, commented: “Breaking the 100 moves per hour barrier is a proud moment for all of us at BGT. It is a testament to our commitment to deliver new service benefits to all our customers and to play a leading role in developing the overall service capability of the port of Um Qasr.”
BGT’s expanding service delivery in all sectors of its operations – container, multi-purpose, ro-ro and heavy lift – flows out of its recently completed US$250 million investment programme, implemented by ICTSI.
This has seen multiple new berth development at BGT East, offering a design depth of 14 meters alongside, served by five modern ship to shore cranes, enabling the handling of vessels of up to 14,000 TEU capacity, the terminal operator said.
The 600m berth at BGT East is supported on the landside by a fleet of 10 six high stacking rubber-tired gantries.
Notable investment outside the container sector has seen the comprehensive upgrade of the terminal’s ro-ro facilities including dedicated warehousing and secure areas as well as in specialised facilities to service the handling of project cargo for the oil and gas sector.
“We will continue to leverage our investments,” Marsham continued, “including those in the training and advancement of the BGT team.
“The record servicing of the YM Mutuality represents a significant waypoint along the path of our continuous improvement programme. Progressively, this will unlock further major benefits for our customers, shipping lines and cargo owners, as well as play a leading role in consolidating and expanding the port of Umm Qasr’s position as Iraq’s premier maritime hub.”
