Iraq’s General Company for Ports has officially signed a new contract with the Dutch company Fugro to survey the al-Faw navigation channel. This survey is an important step because it prepares the channel for internationally recognised Admiralty charts.
Director General Farhan al-Fartousi shared the news with the Iraqi News Agency. He explained that the survey will follow global standards set by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Once the survey is done, the final report will be sent to the UK Hydrographic Office for certification.
Why does this matter?
Because once the channel is certified, it can be listed as a “low-insurance-risk” route. That means lower transport costs for ships and a better chance of attracting major international shipping companies.
Al-Fartousi also said the channel will be upgraded with modern tools: smart electronic buoys, a lighting system similar to what airplanes use, and offshore stations that track weather and sea conditions in real time. These systems will send instant alerts to ships and port officials, helping make the route safer and smoother for everyone.
