Shipping Arabia, October 27, 2026 – Grand Faw Port construction has reached advanced stages, with Iraq reporting 98% completion of the immersed tunnel, 100% completion of breakwater works and 94% progress on infrastructure development. The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has also installed the first navigation buoy in the port’s approach channel, marking another step toward preparing the facility for vessel traffic and future trial operations.
GCPI Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah announced the construction milestones during a press conference. He confirmed that work continues across the port’s major infrastructure projects, with preparations advancing for the next development phases.
The latest progress reflects ongoing efforts to complete one of Iraq’s major strategic infrastructure projects, which aims to strengthen maritime transport and trade activity.
Grand Faw Port Construction Reaches Key Milestones
According to Abdullah, the immersed tunnel has reached 98% completion, while construction of the port’s breakwater has been completed. Infrastructure development has also advanced to 94%, bringing several major project components closer to completion.
The director general emphasized that construction activities remain ongoing with support from Iraq’s prime minister and Minister of Transport Wahab Al-Hassani. He also acknowledged the efforts of technical and engineering personnel and the companies executing the projects.
With major infrastructure works approaching completion, attention is shifting toward the next stage of development. Abdullah indicated that this phase will focus on constructing the superstructure of the port’s berths.
He also stated that trial operations are expected during the coming period as GCPI continues preparations for the port’s operational development.
First Navigation Buoy Installed in Approach Channel
In a separate development, GCPI announced the successful installation of the first navigation buoy in Grand Faw Port’s approach channel. The installation forms part of the ongoing work to prepare the waterway for maritime navigation and vessel arrivals.
Minister of Transport Wahab Al-Hassani confirmed that the milestone coincides with progress across several major projects associated with the port. He highlighted the completion of the breakwater and the advanced construction stages of the immersed tunnel and infrastructure works.
GCPI Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah described the first buoy installation as the beginning of efforts to equip the navigation channel with advanced maritime safety and navigational guidance systems.
Technical and engineering teams are continuing work to install the remaining navigation buoys and associated systems. These activities are intended to meet maritime navigation requirements and prepare the channel to receive vessels.
The company is also continuing work on other project requirements as it prepares for the transition toward trial operations.
Iraqi Ports Address Regional Maritime Challenges
Alongside the Grand Faw Port construction updates, Abdullah addressed the impact of the Strait of Hormuz crisis on maritime traffic in the region.
He acknowledged that the situation has affected regional shipping activity, creating challenges for maritime operations.
Nevertheless, Abdullah emphasized that Iraqi ports are continuing efforts to increase cargo handling and storage activities. He also indicated that work remains underway to support a gradual recovery in port operations.
The developments at Grand Faw Port remain an important part of Iraq’s broader maritime infrastructure priorities. With the immersed tunnel and other major works approaching completion, GCPI is continuing preparations for the next construction stages, navigational readiness and eventual trial operations.
Source: General Company for Ports of Iraq
