The US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Coalition Provisional Authority Southern Region (CPA South) announced the opening of Iraq’s Umm Qasr port to commercial traffic, effective June 16, 2003.
The seaport, located approximately 15 kilometers west of the Kuwait border and under civilian administration since May 22, is the main entryway for cargo, including humanitarian aid, coming into the country and is officially operated by USAID contractor, Stevedoring Services of America (SSA).
Director of CPA South, Ambassador O. Wohlers Olsen, and USAID Administrator Andrew S. Natsios greeted the captain of the first ship to come alongside with commercial cargo. Olsen said, "This is a highly significant event in the post-war regeneration of southern Iraq and is a clear signal that we are open for business."
"Opening this port to commercial traffic is just one step in helping the Iraqi people on the road to economic recovery. The port is an important commercial gateway to Iraq's integration into the global community," said Natsios.
During the last two months, SSA has identified and addressed initial requirements to resume port operations, including undertaking immediate repairs and improvements. SSA also coordinates all vessel traffic entering the port.
Under a separate USAID contract, Bechtel Corporation is rebuilding the port administration buildings, installing lighting, restoring utilities, repairing security fences and grain elevators and dredging the port so that larger, bulk grain vessels can offload near the grain elevators.
Bechtel conducted an exploration of the port's channel and has identified 10 vessels or objects that will be salvaged. The seaport operation contract is one of eight initial procurement actions issued by USAID as part of the US government's assistance to Iraq. — (menareport.com)
© 2003 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
