ICTSI's Basra Gateway Terminal Handles Largest Vessel Call at Umm Qasr

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, has set a new industry benchmark with the successful handling of the HMM Daon, the largest container vessel to dock at the port. The ship’s arrival on 19 March underscores the terminal’s capability to accommodate ultra-large container vessels (ULCVs).

​BGT’s ability to efficiently handle ULCVs is the result of continued infrastructure investments, including the deployment of three post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes. The modern facilities, combined with a skilled workforce, ensure smooth operations at Iraq’s busiest port. Under ICTSI’s management, BGT has developed into a high-performing multipurpose terminal that caters to general, project, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) cargo. With six berths and state-of-the-art technology, BGT remains the only terminal in Umm Qasr capable of efficiently handling 16,000-TEU vessels.

The successful handling of HMM Daon reflects BGT’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s economic growth and facilitating seamless trade connections between the country and global markets.

International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICT) was incorporated on December 24, 1987 to operate, manage and develop the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), which handles international container cargo at the Port of Manila. In May 1988, the Philippine Ports Authority awarded to ICT a concession to be the exclusive operator of MICT for a period of 25 years. ICT started operating MICT on June 12, 1988. ICT's concession contract for MICT was extended for another 25 years up to May 18, 2038.

The principal business of ICT is the operation, management, development, and acquisition of container terminals. The primary mechanism for the operation of these terminals is long-term concession agreements with local port authorities and governments through ICT and its subsidiaries. ICT and its subsidiaries also provide ancillary services such as storage, container stripping and stuffing, inspection, weighing and services for refrigerated containers or reefers, as well as roll-on/roll-off and anchorage services to non-containerized cargoes or general cargoes on a limited basis.

Currently, the ICT Group is involved in 32 terminal operations, including concessions and port development projects in 19 countries worldwide. There are 9 terminal operations in the Philippines - including an inland container terminal, a barge terminal, and combined terminal operations in Subic - four in Brazil; two in Papua New Guinea; and one each in China, Indonesia, Ecuador, Poland, Georgia, Madagascar, Croatia, Honduras, Mexico, Iraq, Argentina, Colombia, Democratic Republic Congo, Australia, Cameroon and Nigeria. ICT also has an existing concession to construct, develop and operate a port in Tuxpan, Mexico.