Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) subsidiary at the Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, recently handled its three millionth Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU), the only one to achieve the record in its locale.

“Three million TEUs in seven years is a remarkable feat," said BGT Chief Executive Officer Romeo Salvador after the container terminal handled Evergreen’s Ever Uranus.

The milestone coincided with BGT’s seventh year of operations at Iraq's premiere maritime gateway.

Since BGT started operations in 2014, ICTSI has invested more than $250 million to modernize the multipurpose terminal.

The investments include the construction of three new berths at BGT East, rehabilitation and expansion of the three existing berths and the terminal yard, acquisition of new equipment including three post-Panamax quay cranes – the largest in Iraq, and implementation of state-of-the-art systems.

To date, BGT is the first and only terminal in Iraq capable of efficiently handling 14,000-TEU capacity boxships.

This competitive advantage enables the Port of Umm Qasr attract new services, especially ones that are operated by larger vessels.

"We continue to focus on strong collaborative efforts with all our customers – the shipping lines, cargo owners and transporters – to maximize our efficiency," Salvador explained.

"Through efficient operations, digitalization, and focus on safety, BGT reaffirms its commitment to supporting the country’s economy and providing world-class service to our growing customer base.”

BGT’s three million TEU milestone also marks its seven years of continuous investment to modernize Iraq’s largest maritime gateway