The Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority has launched a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) system to monitor and manage ship movements in Iraq’s territorial waters. The system will track vessels entering and leaving the country’s waters, improve navigation safety, and support maritime trade.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the launch was attended by the Assistant Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI), representatives of the Arab Gulf Academy for Maritime Studies, and leaders from the Iraqi Naval Force and Border Guard.
Ali Abd al-Latif al-Tamimi, Director General of the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority, said the project follows the Ministry of Transport’s plans to improve technical capabilities, strengthen operations, and enhance vessel monitoring. He also highlighted Iraq’s strategic location along the Shatt al-Arab and the Gulf, with its ports playing an important role in connecting the national economy to international markets.
Al-Tamimi said the new system will improve coordination, information sharing, and the movement of ships and commercial traffic. It will also help prevent illegal activities, protect important facilities, and safeguard the marine environment.
He added that the system complies with international maritime agreements, including the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).