SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraq is looking to build a new oil pier off its southern coast that is expected to boost exports and imports of crude-derived products, AP cited an official as saying.
Director-General of the General Company for Ports in Iraq Farhan Fartousi told AP that the construction within the port of Khor al-Zubair was over 70% and should be finished this year.
Japan International Cooperation Agency has financed the new platform at the port, Iraq’s main fuel export and import facility.
The Iraqi official said al-Zubair port was now bringing in 10 billion dinars a month (about 6.8 million), according to the Associated Press.
He further said the new platform would boast modern equipment, speedy pumping, offloading operations that will enable the entry of more ships, the agency reported.
“It will be a special oil pier with all the modern additions,” Fartousi told AP, including a pumping station capable of withstanding higher pressures.
Iraq’s two largest and key commercial ports – Umm Qasr and Khor al-Zubair – have come under scrutiny amid anti-corruption measures to tackle nationwide graft.
In June 2020, Iraqi Prime Minister pledged to crackdown on corruption at the country’s land and sea border crossings.
The Iraqi military deployed security personnel to all 14 sea and land border crossings following the premier’s decision.
