Record Three Million TEU Reached by Container Terminal

IRAQ – Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), which claims to be the only container terminal in the country capable of handling box ships up to 14,000 TEU, is celebrating handling its three millionth TEU.

BGT, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) achieved this latest milestone during the handling of Evergreen’s Ever Uranus and coincided with BGT’s seventh year of operations. Established in 2014 BGT is the first and only terminal in Iraq to reach such a total. Romeo Salvador, BGT Chief Executive Officer said:

“Three million TEUs in seven years is a remarkable feat. We continue to focus on strong collaborative efforts with all our customers, the shipping lines, cargo owners and transporters, to maximise our efficiency.

"Through efficient operations, digitalisation, and focus on safety, BGT reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s economy and providing world-class service to our growing customer base.”

Since BGT started operations, ICTSI says it has invested more than $250 million to modernise the multipurpose terminal. The investments include the construction of three new berths at BGT East, rehabilitation and expansion of the three existing berths and the terminal yard.

There has also been the acquisition of new equipment including three post-Panamax quay cranes, the largest in Iraq, and implementation of state-of-the-art systems, all of which ICTSI says have helped BGT maintain its market leader position.