Basra: Iraq is advancing its maritime industry by moving towards the manufacturing of boats of various sizes and specifications, alongside opening new production lines. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing Iraq’s maritime infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign shipyards.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday their ambitious plan to develop the shipyard facilities at Iraqi ports. The announcement highlighted the Ministry’s objective to meet the needs of Iraq’s maritime fleet and attract foreign vessels by providing maintenance services and fulfilling international classification societies’ requirements. This endeavor aligns with the directives of the Minister of Transport, Wahab al-Hassani, who is focused on bolstering technical capabilities and leveraging national resources in the maritime sector.

The Ministry also revealed that the General Company for Iraqi Ports held an extensive meeting with a delegation from the Military Industrialization Authority to explore ways to enhance national capabilities in maritime industries. The discussions centered on the company’s strategy to localize the construction, manufacturing, repair, and maintenance of ships and marine units within Iraq. The Military Industrialization Authority presented the boat factory’s capabilities, production lines, and the potential to produce boats tailored to various needs, emphasizing the utilization of national resources.

The statement further emphasized the significance of technology transfer, expertise sharing, and the development of Iraqi personnel through specialized training programs. These initiatives aim to build a robust national technical and engineering base, capable of fostering efficient growth in the maritime industries.