Accra:The Iraqi Higher Maritime Authority has launched a new Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system to enhance the monitoring of ship movements within the country’s territorial waters.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this development was announced on Tuesday and involves the regulation of vessel traffic, as well as the management of ships entering and leaving Iraqi waters. The inauguration ceremony was attended by key figures including the Deputy Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, representatives from the Arab Gulf Academy for Maritime Studies, and officials from the Naval Force and Border Guard commands.

Director General Ali Abdul Latif Al-Tamimi highlighted that the project is part of the Ministry of Transport’s initiative to bolster technical and operational capabilities. The system is expected to enhance vessel monitoring and tracking, which will improve the security of Iraq’s waters and support maritime and commercial activities.

Al-Tamimi also pointed out the strategic importance of Iraq’s location along the Shatt al-Arab and the Arabian Gulf, and the pivotal role Iraqi ports play in linking the national economy with international markets. The VTS system is designed to regulate vessel traffic, improve safety and security, and protect vital infrastructure and the marine environment from risks and unlawful activities.

The implementation of this system is also intended to facilitate regulatory oversight and information exchange, thus streamlining maritime and commercial operations. This initiative aligns with international technological advancements and best practices in vessel traffic management, adhering to international laws and standards such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).