Basra Gateway Terminal recently welcomed the 8,452-TEU Ever Libra–the largest container vessel to call BGT East.
The call serves as another milestone following BGT’s handling of its two millionth TEU in September last year, highlighting the terminal’s expanded capacity and ability to handle larger ships after the completion of berths 25 and 26 at BGT East. BGT’s newest berths are equipped with three post-Panamax quay cranes, considered to be the largest port equipment in Iraq.
The ship sails under Evergreen’s Asia Middle East Loop 4 (APG) service, which links the port of Umm Qasr in Iraq to the ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shekou in China; Port of Taipei in Taiwan; Port of Hong Kong; Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelapas in Malaysia; and the Port of Jebel Ali in the United Arab Emirates.
Senior port authority officials and Evergreen representatives attended a small ceremony to commemorate the call. BGT completed the operation in record time, handling a total of 3,596 TEUs and prompting the vessel to depart several hours ahead of schedule.
