Iraq Container Terminal

Vital component of Iraq's infrastructure

Iraq Container Terminal commissioned in 2010, is one of Gulftainer’s key investments in Iraq. Located at Umm Qasr port, the country’s largest container handling facility, Iraq Container Terminal strategic location, modern equipment, and comprehensive services make it a vital component of Iraq’s maritime infrastructure.

The terminal enjoys direct access to the main Basrah Highway and major oil fields in Southern Iraq. It is strategically positioned near the fully integrated logistics services bonded facility at Umm Qasr Logistics Centre, which was opened in 2014.

The terminal spans 35 hectares and features a robust container yards with an annual capacity of 400,000 TEUs, backed by modern operating systems and skilled personnel.

Iraq Container Terminal provides comprehensive integrated services including container stripping and stuffing, customs clearance, and EDI facilities. Its logistics solutions encompass container freight stations, storage and warehousing facilities, and inland transportation services.

For security and efficiency, the terminal is equipped with modern inspection infrastructure, including an onsite dedicated sonar x-ray machine and weighbridge facilities, ensuring secure cargo handling operations.

Information

Berths

Draft (m)

11.5m alongside

Area (ha)

Quay Length (m)

375

Quay Cranes

Capacity (TEU)

400,000

TERMINAL SERVICES

Information

Approach Channel (Width / Depth)

400m / 11.5m

Turning Basin Width (Turning Circle)

450m

Maximum Draft at Berth / Port Restrictions

11.5 maximum draft alongside
Port restriction of 10.5m due to channel depth

Maximum Inbound Draft:
(1) @ High Tide
(2) @ Low Tide

10.5m - anything above this requires harbour master permission

Maximum Outbound Draft:
(1) @ High Tide
(2) @ Low Tide

As above

Tidal Range

5.0m

Distance Pilot to Berth (NM)

54NM

Total Quay Length

375m / 360m between GC buffers

Number of Berths

Surface of Container Yard Stacking Area

Phase 1 - 49,000m2 / 5,965 TEU
Phase 2 - 295,000m2 / 10,500 TEU plus warehousing

Total Number of Cranes

Total Number of Cranes
(Post-Panamax / Super-Post Panamax)

2 Mitsubishi Panamax gantry cranes
2 Gottward mobile harbour cranes

Services available at Iraq Container Terminal include

Stripping and Stuffing Services

Customs Clearance

EDI facilities

Container freight station

Storage and Warehousing

Inland transportation

Weigh bridge facilities

Onsite dedicated sonar x-ray machine

Container inspection service available on request

OPERATIONS

Working Hours

The Terminal operates 24hrs a day, every day of the year, except for holidays.
Receipt and Delivery of cargo is made between 08:00 hours to 16:00 hours, 7 days a week. Hours are reduced during the Holy Month of Ramadan in accordance with local customs.
Activities outside normal working hours incur overtime charges. Vessel operation overtime rates are available upon request.

General

Procedure release of Import cargo is as follows:

Collect delivery order from line.
Visit IMTC (North Port) to collect IMTC D/O (For IPA), as they do not recognize line D/O.
Visit IPA office (Terminal) to check papers and receive slip for presentation to GTL for moving container to inspection area (Customs/Health/Radiation).
Visit customs to inform container ready for inspection. Customs will arrange appointment (If health/radiation checking required, the arrangement will be made by customs to attend 1 time).
Inspection of container.
Await inspection / analysis result.
After completion and custom permission receipt received to release, re visit IPA (Terminal) to calculate IPA dues.
Organise trucks for delivery / stripping and inform IPA of due delivery date.
Go to IPA Finance (North Port) to pay IPA dues and obtain receipt.
Stripping / loading can then commence & gate exit if delivery date not passed.
If due date passed, additional days calculated by IPA & sent to finance for payment & then finally released.

Customs Procedure

If container is stripped, a small percentage of the cargo is opened and thereafter permission given to strip the cargo for delivery. If it is for full container delivery, the percentage for inspection will depend on the cargo. All containers listed on a single Bill of Entry must leave together. Final clearance will not be issued until passed by health or radiation, if required. This can take up to 14 days if samples sent to Baghdad for testing. Also, if radiation or health testing is required, stripping is not allowed until passed. If container is stripped-to-truck, cargo will stay on the truck inside port until cleared.

Downloads

Iraq container terminal schedule of charges and tariffs

Iraq container terminal standard terms and conditions

Iraq container terminal brochure

FAQs

What is the maximum draft allowed at the terminal?

The maximum draft alongside is 11.5m, but there is a port restriction of 10.5m due to channel depth. Any vessel with draft above 10.5m requires harbour master permission.

What is the container handling capacity of the terminal?

The terminal has an annual capacity of 400,000 TEU, with Phase 1 offering 49,000m2 (5,965 TEU) of container yard stacking area and Phase 2 providing 295,000m2 (10,500 TEU) plus warehousing facilities.

What is the procedure for releasing import cargo?

The process involves collecting delivery orders from both the shipping line and IMTC, visiting IPA office for paperwork, arranging customs inspection (including health/radiation if required), paying IPA dues, and organising trucks for delivery or stripping. All containers on a single Bill of Entry must leave together.

What container handling equipment is available at the terminal?

The terminal is equipped with 4 cranes in total: 2 Mitsubishi Panamax gantry cranes and 2 Gottward mobile harbour cranes. Additional services include stripping and stuffing, container inspection, weighbridge facilities, and an onsite dedicated sonar x-ray machine.

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Iraq Container Terminal

Vital component of Iraq's infrastructure

Information

TERMINAL SERVICES

Information

Services available at Iraq Container Terminal include

OPERATIONS

Working Hours

General

Procedure release of Import cargo is as follows:

Customs Procedure

Downloads

Iraq container terminal schedule of charges and tariffs

Iraq container terminal standard terms and conditions

Iraq container terminal brochure

FAQs

CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

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