Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), Iraq’s leading multi-purpose cargo handling facility, marked a milestone by receiving the inaugural call of the RCL West India-Gulf (RWG) service in late October.
The maiden voyage of MV Vira Bhum, under the Thai flag, made history as the first vessel from Regional Container Line (RCL) to dock at the Port of Umm Qasr. It is also the first Thai-flagged ship to call in Iraq, highlighting a new chapter in the country’s maritime connectivity.
The RWG service, operated jointly by RCL and Bengal Tiger Line (BTL), is designed to enhance trade connectivity between Iraq, India, and the Middle East. The service operates a 21-day rotation that connects key ports, including Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, and Umm Qasr, before returning to Mundra.
Boosting Iraq’s Global Trade Links
Romeo Salvador, chief executive officer of BGT, expressed the significance of this development.
“We are excited to welcome RCL and BTL as partners in advancing trade and connectivity in the region,” Salvador said.
He emphasized that the new service reaffirms BGT’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s growing role in global trade.
With advanced infrastructure, streamlined operations, and proximity to major markets, BGT has positioned itself as a pivotal player in Iraq’s economic growth. The terminal is equipped to handle modern shipping demands, making it an attractive gateway for businesses seeking access to Iraq’s emerging economy.
Service Reliability and Expanded Capacity
RCL and BTL have committed significant resources to the RWG service. The MV Vira Bhum and Intersea Traveler are the first of three vessels deployed, each with a capacity ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), ensuring reliability and scalability for shipping lines.
The service aims to provide faster, more efficient shipping solutions, further boosting Iraq’s trade links with South Asia and the Gulf region.
BGT, a subsidiary of the International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), continues to solidify its reputation as Iraq’s gateway of choice. ICTSI, a global leader in port management, is recognized for offering cutting-edge, scalable port solutions to meet the demands of modern trade.
The RWG service is expected to enhance Iraq’s standing in global trade networks, opening more opportunities for the country’s economic growth and regional integration.
