Iraq Moves to Ease Umm Qasr North Port Congestion Amid ASYCUDA Disruption
Shipping Arabia, November 2, 2026 – Iraq’s General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) is implementing urgent measures to address Umm Qasr North Port congestion and delays in cargo truck movements. The action follows disruptions to the ASYCUDA customs system, which have affected clearance procedures and contributed to truck congestion at the port’s Grand Welcome Yard.
The management of Umm Qasr North Port held an expanded coordination meeting chaired by Port Director Capt. Salem Jabbar Hussein. The meeting focused on identifying the causes of congestion, accelerating the departure of loaded trucks and improving operational efficiency.
The discussions formed part of efforts to maintain smoother cargo flows and strengthen coordination among the government agencies and commercial operators involved in port operations.
ASYCUDA Disruption Affects Customs Clearance and Truck Movements
A central issue discussed during the meeting was the disruption of the ASYCUDA customs system within the relevant customs departments. The disruption has affected the processing of customs procedures and contributed to delays in releasing cargo trucks from the Grand Welcome Yard.
Participants examined the main operational challenges affecting truck movements and considered measures to reduce waiting times and accelerate customs transaction processing.
The discussions also addressed the need to ease congestion within the yard and prevent further bottlenecks. Particular emphasis was placed on improving coordination between the authorities responsible for customs clearance, cargo handling and truck exit procedures.
The meeting highlighted the importance of addressing both administrative and operational obstacles to improve cargo movements through Umm Qasr North Port.
Transport Ministry Directives Drive Coordinated Response
The meeting followed directives issued by Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahb Al-Hassani, and instructions from the senior management of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, led by Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah.
The directives focus on resolving operational difficulties, strengthening cooperation among relevant authorities and ensuring more efficient cargo and truck movements across Iraqi ports.
The meeting brought together officials from several organizations involved in port and border operations. Participants included the Director of the Umm Qasr North border crossing, the Director of Customs at the Grand Welcome Yard and a representative of the company operating the yard.
Representatives of the National Security Service and intelligence authorities also attended, alongside the directors responsible for cargo loading and unloading operations at Umm Qasr North and Umm Qasr South ports.
Their participation reflected the need for coordination across the different authorities responsible for processing and facilitating cargo movements through the port.
Urgent Measures Target Truck Delays and Operational Bottlenecks
The meeting concluded with a series of urgent directives and measures intended to address the causes of delays and improve the movement of trucks leaving the Grand Welcome Yard.
The participating authorities emphasized the importance of reducing truck waiting times, accelerating customs procedures and easing congestion within the facility.
They also stressed the need to maintain continuous coordination and follow-up to ensure implementation of the agreed measures. This cooperation will involve the relevant government departments and operational stakeholders responsible for managing cargo and truck movements.
The General Company for Ports of Iraq aims to improve operational efficiency at Umm Qasr North Port and the Grand Welcome Yard through these measures, while preventing further congestion and supporting smoother cargo flows.
Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport / General Company for Ports of Iraq
