SHARJAH — Gulftainer, the privately owned independent terminal management and logistics company, welcomed two of Iraq's largest LPG storage vessels at its Umm Qasr Logistics Centre (UQLC) at the Port of Umm Qasr in Basra. The two cylindrical LPG storage tanks each weigh over 250 tons and measure 50m in length – more than half the length of a football pitch. This is the largest cargo that has ever been transported such a long distance within Iraq. Opened last year as part of a $150 million investment program in the country by Gulftainer, the logistics center is strategically connected to Umm Qasr Port by a bonded access road, allowing movement from Gulftainer's Iraq Container Terminal (ICT) facility and the North Port, directly to the UQLC. UQLC was chosen by the cargo manufacturers to store the tanks in a secure and safe environment while preparing the necessary customs clearance. Close liaison between the client, consignee, and the heavy lift logistics specialist was required and Gulftainer's full range of capabilities were demonstrated in the successful handling of these tanks in UQLC, including secure storage and reloading to the specialist transport at the time of exit. Bill Chalmers, Iraq General Manager at Gulftainer, said: “We are grateful to the companies involved in this operation for their confidence in our competencies to support the logistics of the country's largest LPG cargo. The Umm Qasr Logistics Centre has been specifically designed to support this type of project cargo, including this type of LPG tank. Our expertise in managing project cargoes to the highest technical and safety standards was identified as a key factor in supporting the cargo management.” Arrangements for clearance were organized and carried out at the UQLC, where customs officials have an on-site administrative office. UQLC is a 750,000m2 secure facility located on the main Basra highway adjacent to the North Port in Umm Qasr, consisting of warehouses, cold stores, offices, laydown area, providing customers and their clients with the assurance that their product is secure. A 100 man camp facility is also nearing completion. In addition to its activities at Umm Qasr in Iraq, Gulftainer's current portfolio covers UAE operations in Khorfakkan Port and Port Khalid in Sharjah, Recife in Brazil, Jeddah and Jubail in Saudi Arabia and in the USA, where the company recently began operations at the Canaveral Cargo Terminal in Florida. Gulftainer is also expecting to commence operations in Tripoli Port in Lebanon in September 2015. — SG
