Economy News – Baghdad
The Director of the General Company for Iraq, Farhan Al-Farssi, announced on Monday the successful completion of the initial phase of the submerged tunnel construction beneath the Khor Al-Zubair navigational channel. This milestone marks a significant step towards integrating the Grand Faw Port with the underwater transport network.
According to a statement regarding the ports, Al-Farssi detailed that the placement of the first segment of the submerged tunnel has been achieved. This segment represents the first of ten components to be installed in this ambitious project, which aspires to become the most prominent engineering and technical accomplishment in the Middle East.
“Today, we commemorate a substantial advancement in marine infrastructure,” Al-Farssi stated. “The completion of the first submerged tunnel piece beneath the Al-Zubair navigational channel lays the groundwork for linking the Grand Port of Al-Faw to the underwater transport framework.”
The submerged piece, measuring 126 meters in length and weighing 45,000 tons, is a crucial aspect of this vital tunnel that connects the Grand Faw Port with the Umm Qasr area. It is anticipated to significantly enhance maritime navigation within Iraq. Notably, this tunnel will be the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Al-Farssi emphasized the involvement of specialized international firms in the project, highlighting the contributions of Dutch and Italian consultants as well as the Korean company Daewoo, responsible for the implementation of the Grand Faw Port project, under the supervision of the Great Port Authority of the General Company for the Ports of Iraq.
The segment was meticulously lifted from the manufacturing basin and transported to a staging area equipped with buoys and GPS devices before being secured. It was then smoothly maneuvered to the tunnel route, ensuring precise alignment with the fixed piece. Al-Farssi confirmed that the operation was executed successfully and according to the established plan, achieving a 100% success rate.
The specialized teams are prepared to initiate the transfer of the second segment from the manufacturing basin to the tunnel path, a process that will be replicated ten times until the tunnel’s completion. The ongoing work at the entrances and exits of the submerged tunnel further indicates rapid progress and readiness to finalize this significant project.
