Dubai: Nawah Port Management (NPM), a business unit of North America Western Asia Holdings (NAWAH), has completed the offloading of a third container vessel running weekly services between the United Arab Emirates and the company’s new container terminal at Al Maqal Port in urban Basra, Iraq.
Historic Al Maqal Port, also known as the Port of Basra and located on the 120-mile-long Shatt Al Arab waterway, has served as an active port since 1919 for a wide array of general cargo – from construction material to dates – but these voyages mark the first-ever movement of containerised cargo up the main river running through southern Iraq.
“NPM’s Berth #14 operation is serving the growing demands of both local merchants and international firms seeking a conveniently close port with streamlined customs clearance,” said Nicholas Kunesh, the head of NAWAH’s port management business line. “This week’s arrival of container vessels is truly a significant one for the citizens of Basra as this city is restored to its rightful position as a key trading center on the Gulf.”
UAE shipping companies Sea Sands Shipping and Trans Act Shipping are offering the inaugural container transport services from the UAE to Al Maqal Port. [12/02/14]
