Iraq reopens Umm Qasr grain berth to boost wheat imports
The rehabilitated berth will serve as Iraq’s primary entry point for wheat shipments, enabling faster vessel unloading and more efficient transfer of imports into storage and distribution networks.
IRAQ – Iraq has reopened the grain silo dock at Umm Qasr Port in Basra, restoring a critical hub for wheat imports after a decade-long hiatus and completing a wider rehabilitation of the country’s grain logistics network.
The Ministry of Trade, through the state-run General Company for Grain Trade, confirmed that Berth No. 10 at the Umm Qasr grain terminal has resumed full operations following comprehensive maintenance and modernization carried out by local engineering teams, without the involvement of foreign contractors.
The reopening ceremony, attended by senior officials including Dr. Haider Nouri Al-Garaawi, Director General of the State Company for Grain Trading, marks the successful completion of extensive rehabilitation works designed to modernize the country’s vital agricultural
Director General Haider Al-Karawi said the berth is now operating at full capacity, a step expected to accelerate the unloading of grain vessels, reduce operational costs for importers, and increase revenue for the public grain trading company.
The Umm Qasr grain silo itself had already returned to full operational capacity in 2023 after years of suspension, and the latest reopening of the dock effectively reconnects Iraq’s strategic storage to seaborne wheat supply chains at a time of rising import needs.
Officials say the upgrade will strengthen national grain reserves, improve storage efficiency, and support the government’s efforts to stabilize the domestic wheat market amid volatility in global food prices.
The move also forms part of a broader plan to modernize Iraq’s port and logistics infrastructure at Umm Qasr, the country’s only deep‑water gateway, where dedicated facilities handle grain, oil and containerized cargo for both national consumption and regional transit trade.
By shortening ship turnaround times and easing congestion at the grain terminal, Baghdad hopes to secure smoother inflows ahead of future tenders for imported wheat, which is essential for the state-subsidized flour and bread program that underpins food security for millions of Iraqis.
Trade officials are hailing the reopening of the Umm Qasr silo dock as a milestone in restoring confidence among international suppliers and shipping lines, signaling that Iraq’s grain handling infrastructure is ready to support higher volumes and more reliable deliveries in the coming seasons.
The fully operational grain silo not only ensures a steady supply of bread for the population but also reinforces Iraq’s standing as a growing player in Middle Eastern trade and logistics.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
