Possible Delays at Iraqi Ports

Information received from P&I Correspondent Mutual Marine Services – al Mushtaraka LLC. outlines the current situation at Iraqi ports.

So far, the conflict has had little effect on the country’s oil exports, which account for more than 95% of the country’s income. 

We understand that all ports are operating, although long delays have been encountered in recent weeks.  Agents are reporting that these delays are as a consequence of a lack of trucks, cessation of cargo operations during the hours of darkness and consignee’s reluctance to take delivery of cargoes.

Currently, there is congestion at the port of Umm Qasr with a queue of vessels carrying grain anchored outside the port.  Another rising problem is with the clearance and delivery of government project cargoes and now some of the larger government projects have been put on hold until the situation stabilizes.

Members with vessels calling at Iraqi ports should ensure they:

• Agree terms and clauses in the contract of carriage that fairly apportion the risk between Shippers and Owners.
• Contact P&I Correspondents and/or port Agents for the most up to date security status prior to calling into port.
• Take all appropriate steps to maintain the quality of the cargo if held in a queue outside the Port.
• Maintain the appropriate levels of security throughout the vessel’s stay in port.
• Keep accurate logs and records of cargo operations, particularly in respect of time.

Crew changes are not advisable due to the present security situation and crew shore leave is not permitted in the ports of Umm Qasr and Khor al Zubair.