Iraq's maritime transport revenue rises 37 percent in 2 years

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's maritime transport revenue has increased to nearly 240 billion dinars, a 37 percent rise in two years, an official told Rudaw on Thursday.

 

"Iraq's maritime transport revenue for 2024 reached 239,263,888,000 dinars, up from 2022's 174, 450, 363,000 dinars," said Transport Ministry spokesman Maysam al-Safi.

 

That is a 37 percent increase in two years.

 

In 2023, Iraq pocketed 216 billion dinars from maritime revenues, Safi added.

 

Iraq owns six ships, four commercial vessels and two tankers, according to the General Company for Iraqi Ports.

 

Iraq is expanding its ports and maritime capabilities to receive larger ships.

 

Last month, a giant Turkish power-generating ship known as Orka Sultan docked in the southern Khor al-Zubair Port. The port authority described it as "a maritime achievement."

 

"This achievement reflects the development of the navigational capabilities of Iraqi ports and confirms their readiness to receive giant ships with special specifications," said Farhan al-Fartousi, director general of the General Company for Iraqi Ports.