Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Umm Qasr in Iraq, recently handled HMM Daon, the largest container vessel to dock at the port.

HMM Daon has a capacity of 16,010 twenty-foot equivalent units, a beam of 51 meters, a length overall of 365.16 meters, and a gross tonnage of 152,003.

The vessel is part of the Premiere Alliance consortium by HMM, Yang Ming, and Ocean Network Express, which facilitates imports from China and the Far East.

ICTSI in a statement said the ship’s arrival at BGT on March 19 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, ICTSI noted.

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 terminal’s modern facilities, combined with a skilled workforce, also ensure smooth operations at Iraq’s busiest port.

ICTSI said under its management, BGT has developed into a high-performing multipurpose terminal that caters to general, project, and roll-on/roll-off cargo.

Moreover, ICTSI said 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.

In 2014, ICTSI signed a contract with the General Company for Ports in Iraq to manage, operate and rehabilitate terminal facilities in North Port Umm Qasr, Iraq and to develop and expand container handling capacity via new infrastructure development.