Economy News – Baghdad
The General Company for Iraqi Ports has announced significant progress in contracting with an international firm for the management and operation of Paug Port. This development comes alongside plans for a comprehensive array of projects to be unveiled at Faw Port, mirroring the refinery initiative.
Farhan Al-Fartousi, the Director of the Iraqi Ports Company, detailed the advancements in the submerged tunnel project during an official briefing. He noted that the fixed portion of the tunnel is nearing completion, with a design comprising two outbound and two inbound corridors connecting the tunnel to both the highway and the submerged section. The underwater elements feature ten prefabricated concrete blocks, each measuring 11 meters in height, 34 meters in width, and 126 meters in length, collectively weighing 45,000 tons. These blocks have been poured into a specialized area known as the submerged tunnel basin.
Following the creation of these blocks, they underwent examination and preparation before floating operations commenced. This involved lifting the blocks and transporting them to designated locations to facilitate the construction of the tunnel’s connections. Al-Fartousi highlighted that a collaborative effort involving the Italian technique company for supervision, the Korean firm overseeing the project, and a Dutch company specializing in such structures enabled the successful positioning of the first block. This milestone marks its integration into the fixed portion of the tunnel. The team is concurrently working on floating the second block, with plans for the completion of all ten blocks to finalize the tunnel, ensuring accessibility from both Faw Palace and the opposite shore.
In a separate update, Al-Fartousi indicated that advanced phases have been reached in securing a scientific partner for managing and operating the port. The company is currently awaiting the advisory firm’s guidance regarding contracting mechanisms and controls, following which the proposal will be submitted to the Supreme Committee for approval.
Al-Fartousi also addressed upcoming projects, stating that a significant package of contracts will be established within the next month to month and a half. This will encompass the marine base project and the LNG initiative, alongside a major refinery project within the Mu’ah Al-Maamay, which has been contracted by the Ministry of Oil. The execution of this file is approaching completion.
Additionally, the company is considering the establishment of an industrial zone, with ongoing discussions involving various companies interested in participating in this large-scale project. A substantial announcement concerning new projects at Faw Port, similar to the refinery package, is expected soon.
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