Special to WorldTribune.com

BAGHDAD — Iraq has selected a U.S. consortium to modernize the
nation’s leading port.

The government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki has signed a $14 million contract for the modernization of a port in the southern province of Basra.

Under the 10-year accord, the consortium, led by North America
Western Asia Holdings, would construct a container yard in one of 14 berths in the 93-year-old Maqal Port on the Shatt Al Arab waterway.

“Modernizing Maqal Port is one step in Iraq’s greater vision to improve
and expand our country’s shipping and port capabilities,” Iraqi
Transportation Minister Hadi Al Amiri said.

Under the contract, the consortium would dredge Shatt Al Arab — which leads to the northern Gulf — to at least nine meters to accommodate deep-water vessels.

North America, led by a former U.S. Defense Department
official, would work with other American firms, Triton Container
International and Marmon Crane Services.

  Maqal Port, North America Western Asia Holdings, Nouri Al Maliki, Shatt Al Arab waterway, U.S. firms to help Iraq modernize port at Basra