Iraq Ministry of Transport

Shipping Arabia, November 4, 2026 – The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) and South Korea’s Daewoo have discussed accelerating ongoing port development projects and exploring future cooperation. The talks focused on strengthening coordination, advancing project completion and supporting the development of Iraq’s maritime infrastructure.

GCPI Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah met with senior Daewoo representatives, including Regional Director Hyungsik Cho and company representative Hyunsuk Jung. The meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen cooperation with international companies involved in developing Iraq’s port sector.

Accelerating Daewoo Port Projects in Iraq

The discussions reviewed progress on projects currently being implemented by Daewoo, with particular attention to accelerating their completion according to established plans.

Both sides emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts and improving coordination to maintain project progress. They also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation during the implementation of ongoing works.

The meeting followed directives from Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahab Al-Hassani, aimed at expanding cooperation with specialized international companies. The directives also emphasize monitoring strategic projects in line with Iraq’s maritime transport development plans.

Through closer coordination with Daewoo, GCPI is seeking to advance current projects while supporting its broader plans to develop and modernize the country’s port infrastructure.

Future Cooperation and Port Infrastructure Development

Beyond existing projects, the meeting explored potential future developments and opportunities to expand cooperation between GCPI and Daewoo.

Discussions addressed how future projects could contribute to improving Iraqi port infrastructure and strengthening operational capabilities. Both parties also considered opportunities for continued collaboration on projects supporting the country’s maritime transport sector.

GCPI reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger partnerships with international companies and advancing both ongoing and future projects.

The discussions reflect the company’s efforts to maintain progress on its current development plans while pursuing further opportunities to modernize Iraq’s ports and enhance their operational capabilities.

Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport / General Company for Ports of Iraq

Shipping Arabia, October 23, 2026 – Iraq’s Maritime Security Committee held its 27th meeting at the headquarters of the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), focusing on maritime security in Iraqi territorial waters and procedures regulating vessel movements to and from the country’s ports.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Hazem Al-Hafadhi, Administrative Undersecretary at Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, with GCPI Director General Abdullah Ati Abdullah and members of the committee in attendance.

Discussions focused on security matters concerning Iraqi territorial waters, mechanisms for regulating vessel entry and departure, and the implementation of existing measures to maintain the smooth flow of maritime traffic.

Maritime Security Committee Reviews Vessel Traffic Procedures

The committee examined procedures governing ship movements in Iraqi waters, emphasizing compliance with applicable maritime regulations and instructions.

Participants also reviewed the measures currently in place to support navigational safety and security while maintaining orderly vessel movements.

The discussions addressed coordination among authorities responsible for maritime security, particularly regarding the protection of Iraqi territorial waters and the implementation of established security procedures.

Coordination to Protect Iraqi Territorial Waters

The 27th meeting formed part of ongoing coordination among Iraqi authorities involved in maritime security and the management of vessel movements.

The committee’s work focuses on monitoring the measures necessary to protect the country’s territorial waters, strengthen maritime navigation safety and maintain compliance with existing regulations.

These efforts aim to ensure the safe and orderly movement of vessels entering and departing Iraqi ports while supporting the continuity of maritime operations.

Source: General Company for Ports of Iraq

Shipping Arabia, October 21, 2026 – Iraq’s General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has identified the completion of ongoing works at Umm Qasr North Port, particularly its gate development project, as a key operational priority. The initiative aims to improve the movement of cargo and trucks, streamline port procedures, and enhance operational efficiency.

The priority was highlighted during an internal management meeting chaired by GCPI Director General Abdullah Aati Abdullah on October 18, 2026. Separately, a senior Ministry of Transport official visited the company to review operational matters and discuss development priorities across Iraq’s port sector.

Umm Qasr North Port Gate Project Among Key Priorities

During a meeting with department and division heads, Abdullah reviewed upcoming work plans and outlined the company’s financial, technical, and administrative priorities.

The discussions focused on accelerating project implementation and strengthening institutional performance. Abdullah emphasized the importance of coordinating activities across departments and ensuring that management teams work collectively toward shared operational objectives.

A central priority is completing ongoing infrastructure works at Umm Qasr North Port, particularly the gate development project.

The project is intended to improve the organization of cargo and truck movements entering and leaving the port. It also aims to facilitate smoother traffic flows and strengthen the efficiency of operational procedures within the facility.

Abdullah stressed the importance of completing these works as part of the company’s efforts to improve port operations and accelerate the implementation of priority projects.

GCPI Strengthens Administrative Coordination and Oversight

The management meeting also addressed internal administrative procedures and institutional accountability.

Abdullah called for closer coordination between departments and divisions, emphasizing the importance of unified efforts and teamwork in implementing the company’s operational plans.

He also highlighted the need to address observations raised by Iraq’s Federal Board of Supreme Audit through approved legal and administrative procedures.

The measures are intended to strengthen compliance with transparency and accountability standards while improving the effectiveness of the company’s administrative operations.

The discussions formed part of GCPI’s efforts to establish clear priorities and improve coordination between its technical, financial, and administrative functions.

Ministry of Transport Reviews Iraqi Port Operations

In a separate development, Dr. Hazem Al-Hafadhi, Administrative Undersecretary at Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, visited GCPI headquarters to review operational and administrative matters.

The visit followed directives from Transport Minister Wahb Al-Hassani calling for field-level monitoring of ministry-affiliated organizations and assessments of their operational requirements.

During the visit, Al-Hafadhi met with GCPI Director General Abdullah Aati Abdullah to discuss the company’s activities, key operational matters, and priorities for the upcoming period.

The meeting, held at the Martyr Basil Abdul Hamid Hall, examined operational and administrative issues alongside requirements for improving institutional performance.

Discussions also addressed measures to increase workplace efficiency and strengthen the effectiveness of procedures across the port sector.

Both officials emphasized the importance of accelerating the review and follow-up of priority matters to support smoother workflows and improve the performance of Iraqi ports.

The management meetings underline GCPI’s focus on completing ongoing port infrastructure projects, improving administrative coordination, and strengthening operational procedures across Iraq’s maritime sector.

Source: General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI)

Shipping Arabia, September 26, 2026 – Iraq’s Ministry of Transport said the impact of the regional war on the country’s transport projects remains limited, although Iraqi ports have been affected by the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Hussein Ahmed, director of media and government communications at the ministry, said essential goods and food supplies continue to move through Iraqi ports. Vessel operations also remain active despite the regional disruption.

The ministry said Iraqi ports have faced pressures similar to those affecting other ports in the region. However, the crisis has not stopped the movement of essential supplies needed to support economic activity and daily life.

Road Transport Activity Increases

Road transport activity has increased during the crisis as Iraq continues moving cargo through alternative channels. Around 1,500 trucks have departed through the country’s western crossing.

International transport movements have also exceeded 7,000 operations during the recent period, reaching markets in Central Asia. The ministry said this activity has helped maintain trade flows while maritime transport in the region remains under pressure.

Continued road movements have therefore supported the flow of goods alongside active port operations.

Iraqi Ports Remain Operational

Ahmed said vessel activity is continuing at Iraqi ports and that flows of essential commodities remain in place. This includes food supplies and other goods required by the domestic market.

The ministry said the Strait of Hormuz crisis has affected Iraqi ports, but operations have continued despite the disruption. The continued movement of vessels and cargo has helped prevent a complete interruption to essential supply flows.

The ministry also highlighted the role of international land transport in supporting connectivity beyond Iraq during the crisis.

Oil Exports Face Greater Impact

While the broader effect on transport projects remains limited, Ahmed said the crisis has had a significant impact on Iraqi oil exports.

The ministry did not provide figures on the scale of the decline or the volume of exports affected.

Despite these pressures, port activity and road transport movements have continued, helping Iraq maintain the movement of essential goods and trade flows during the regional disruption.

Source: Al Jazeera