Iraqi Ministry of Transport

Shipping Arabia, October 16, 2026 – Chief Engineer Abdullah Ati Abdullah has officially assumed his duties as Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), succeeding Capt. Alaa Al-Aqili. The leadership transition follows official orders issued by the relevant authorities.

Abdullah takes over the leadership of the company following a professional career within GCPI, where he progressed through various positions and gained engineering, administrative and management experience.

His appointment comes as the company continues its efforts to develop Iraq’s maritime transport sector and advance strategic port infrastructure projects, particularly the Al Faw Grand Port project.

New Director General Brings Experience From Within GCPI

Abdullah has built his professional career within the General Company for Ports of Iraq, gaining experience across engineering and administrative responsibilities.

Throughout his career, he developed his technical and management capabilities while progressing through the company’s organizational structure.

He also served as an elected member of GCPI’s Board of Directors, having secured the confidence of company employees through an internal election.

His professional background and previous involvement in the company’s management provide experience relevant to his new responsibilities as Director General.

Al Faw Grand Port Remains a Key Strategic Project

The leadership transition comes amid expectations that the new Director General will contribute to the continued development of the General Company for Ports of Iraq and improvements in its performance.

The company plays an important role in supporting Iraq’s maritime transport and shipping activities, with ongoing development efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s port sector.

Among its major strategic initiatives, the Al Faw Grand Port project remains a central priority. The project was specifically highlighted in the announcement as one of the key developments expected to continue under the company’s new leadership.

The appointment carries expectations of maintaining progress on strategic projects and further developing the company’s activities. These efforts are intended to strengthen Iraq’s economic and commercial position through continued investment in its maritime and port sectors.

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

Shipping Arabia, October 15, 2026 – The Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority (ISMA) is preparing to launch an electronic seafarers’ identity system (SID), introducing digital procedures for issuing, renewing and verifying identity cards for maritime personnel.

The initiative, directed and overseen by Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Wahab Salman Al-Hasani, involves installing electronic gates for the SID system in coordination with the Directorate of Residency and Passports.

The development aims to simplify administrative procedures for seafarers and improve the efficiency of identity documentation services in line with maritime operational requirements.

Electronic Seafarers’ Identity System to Streamline Procedures

The planned electronic seafarers’ identity system will enable authorities to issue and renew seafarers’ identity cards while verifying their information electronically. The initiative forms part of efforts to facilitate administrative services for maritime personnel operating in Iraq.

ISMA Director General Ali Abdul Latif Al-Tamimi emphasized the importance of the new system in making seafarer documentation procedures more efficient and streamlined.

According to Al-Tamimi, the electronic SID system will help simplify the processing of seafarers’ applications while supporting the requirements of maritime operations.

Coordination with the Directorate of Residency and Passports will form part of the system’s introduction, particularly regarding the electronic verification of seafarers’ identity information.

Iraq and India Discuss Maritime Cooperation

The announcement came during a meeting between Al-Tamimi and India’s Ambassador to Iraq, Soumen Bagchi, who visited the authority accompanied by an official delegation.

Representatives of Iraq’s State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) also attended the discussions, which focused on strengthening maritime cooperation between Iraq and India.

The meeting addressed several areas of mutual interest, particularly the development and training of maritime personnel. Both sides also discussed facilitating administrative procedures for foreign seafarers arriving in Iraq, with particular attention to Indian crew members.

These discussions accompanied Iraq’s preparations to modernize its seafarer identification procedures through the electronic SID system.

Indian Ambassador Praises Assistance to Seafarers

During the meeting, Ambassador Bagchi expressed his appreciation for the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority’s support for an Indian crew whose vessel had been involved in an incident.

The ambassador praised the authority’s efforts to rescue the crew members and manage the incident, acknowledging the assistance provided to the affected Indian seafarers.

The discussions highlighted maritime personnel development, administrative facilitation and cooperation in assisting seafarers as key areas of engagement between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the planned electronic seafarers’ identity system is expected to improve the handling of seafarer documentation and support more efficient administrative services for maritime personnel in Iraq.

Source: Iraqi Ministry of Transport