Iraq Seeks Expanded UKHO Cooperation to Strengthen Navigational Safety
Shipping Arabia, July 15, 2026 – Iraq is moving to expand technical cooperation with the UK Hydrographic Office to improve hydrographic surveying, update nautical charts and strengthen navigational safety along waterways serving the country’s ports.
The initiative was discussed during a meeting between Iraq’s ambassador to the United Kingdom and permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization, Dr. Saleh Hussein Ali Al-Tamimi, and Chris Hunt, UKHO regional engagement and partnership manager for the Middle East and Africa.
The meeting was attended by UKHO officials and Iraq’s naval attaché, Capt. Mazen Al-Kaabi.
Discussions focused on cooperation in hydrographic surveys and the production of accurate, updated nautical charts covering Iraqi territorial waters and the navigation channels leading to the country’s ports.
The two sides also reviewed opportunities to support national capacity building, transfer technical expertise and align Iraq’s hydrographic services with international standards.
Officials emphasized the importance of completing procedures for a planned memorandum of understanding between Iraq and the UKHO. The agreement is expected to provide a formal framework for improving survey operations, navigational information and the efficiency and safety of maritime access routes.
Capt. Alaa Abdul Hassan Al-Aqili, director general of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, said the company was expanding cooperation with the IMO and regional and international maritime organizations under the direction of Transport Minister Wahab Al-Hassani.
He said cooperation with the UKHO would support the modernization of Iraq’s hydrographic surveying and nautical charting systems, improve maritime safety and strengthen the ability of Iraqi ports to accommodate growing trade volumes.
Al-Aqili added that the company is continuing to develop navigational infrastructure, upgrade marine services and strengthen national technical capabilities as part of efforts to position Iraq’s ports as an important regional logistics hub.
The UKHO is one of the world’s leading providers of nautical charts and navigational information, supporting commercial shipping with data used for safe passage planning and vessel operations.
Source: Iraq Ports Media
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