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Iraq’s Ports Record Highest-Ever Returns

Iraq’s ports are enjoying an unprecedented period of prosperity and the Iraqi government is close to opening a new container port in the south, writes Omar al-Shaher.
An Iraqi soldier stands guard during a ceremony to receive two American- built vessels at Iraq's southern province of Basra, December 20, 2012. Iraqi navy received on Thursday the first two American-built vessels to boost surface force martial and secure the largest oil and commercial port in southern rich oil city of Basra. Ceremony took place on military base in Umm Qasr port south of Basra attended by Iraqi and U.S. military commanders and officials. Iraq and United States signed a contract late on 2009
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Revenues from Iraqi ports reached $30 million in December 2012, the highest monthly yield in their history. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport is preparing to open the Iraqi Container Port in the city of Basra during the next few months, in order to meet a growing demand for shipping.

Times are good at Iraqi ports, despite controversy surrounding the desire of political parties in Basra to impose their control over them. Iraq has had specialized maritime equipment and experience in this field since the 1930s, when the country established a number of ports to reinforce its position overlooking the Persian Gulf.

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