A shipbuilding executive has highlighted the need for shipyard development in Iraq’s Basra governorate.
Speaking recently at TEDx Baghdad, Abdullah Shaban, Executive Manager and Shipbuilding Engineer at Al Zaman Group, emphasised that Iraq remains the only Arabian Gulf nation without shipyard facilities, citing inadequate infrastructure as the primary obstacle. He outlined three key benefits of establishing a modern shipyard: knowledge and technology transfer, job creation, and maritime traffic opportunities.
The proposed development would facilitate crucial technology transfer through international partnerships, requiring local technical expertise and specialised licensing. Mr Shaban noted that the project would generate substantial employment opportunities across technical, administrative, and engineering roles.
Highlighting the region’s maritime significance, Mr Shaban reported approximately 3,000 annual port entries in Iraq alone, excluding oil tanker traffic at Iraqi terminals. He stressed that a local shipyard would provide essential maintenance services whilst supporting naval operations protecting vital oil infrastructure.
The Al Zaman executive emphasised the importance of strengthening maritime education, particularly in training naval architects and skilled workers. He also addressed Iraq’s current inability to flag vessels due to non-compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards, suggesting that an IACS-classified shipyard could help restore Iraq’s maritime authority.
Christophe Michels, Managing Director of the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC), expressed support for the initiative, adding:
“IBBC is honoured to have the Al Zaman group as members who are leading our growing Maritime group, and with whom we are advising the Government of Iraq on establishing both a Maritime authority and capability in Basra.”
Mr Shaban concluded by revealing that Al Zaman Group is actively collaborating with Iraq’s Transport Ministry and various maritime stakeholders to establish shipbuilding and maintenance services in Basra. This development aligns with the government-backed Al Faw port expansion project, which has attracted international investment interest.
“We are confident Iraq will regain its place as a maritime authority in the Gulf and enjoy the benefits of developing the shipbuilding industry“, Mr Shaban said.
(Source: IBBC)
