Basra Gateway Terminal – Container Line Service to Iraq

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), Iraq’s premier multi-purpose cargo handling facility located at the Port of Umm Qasr, received the inaugural call of the RCL West India-Gulf (RWG) service last October.

Operated jointly by Regional Container Line (RCL) and Bengal Tiger Line (BTL), the RWG service strengthens the country’s trade connectivity by introducing faster, more efficient shipping connections to India and the Middle East. With a 21-day turnaround time, the service strategically rotates through key ports: Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Jebel Ali, and Umm Qasr, before returning to Mundra.

“We are excited to welcome RCL and BTL as partners in advancing trade and connectivity in the region. The RWG service reinforces our commitment to providing world-class service and supporting Iraq’s role in the global trade network,” said Romeo Salvador, BGT chief executive officer.

The maiden call highlights BGT’s importance as Iraq’s most advanced terminal. With modern infrastructure, streamlined operations, and proximity to major regional markets, BGT serves as a vital gateway for businesses looking to tap into Iraq’s emerging economy.

RCL and BTL have each deployed a vessel to the service – the Vira Bhum and the Intersea Traveler. A total of three vessels with capacities ranging from 2,500 to 2,700 TEUs will be deployed to the service to ensure reliability.

A subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), BGT is the gateway of choice in Iraq, offering shipping lines and cargo owners unparalleled access to efficient, scalable and future-ready port solutions to meet the demands of modern global trade.

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT) is a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services (ICTSI) headquartered in the Philippines. In 2014, ICTSI signed a contract with the General Company for Ports in Iraq to manage, operate and rehabilitate terminal facilities in North Port Umm Qasr, Iraq and to develop and expand container handling capacity via new infrastructure development. ICTSI has progressively built on this initial commitment.

similar news

Iraq Joins TIR Convention to Boost Development

 

New Tesco Hungary Logistics Centre

CTP, one of Europe’s largest listed developers, owners and managers of industrial and logistics properties by gross lettable area (GLA), has handed over a new 100,000 sqm logistics centre in Hungary to Tesco. Built as part of a greenfield investment spanning 60 hectares near Szigetszentmiklós, the state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance Tesco’s efficiency in serving Hungarian customers, optimise transportation logistics, and significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impact. The centre will fully serve Tesco stores nationwide starting in March 2025.

The nearly 1-kilometer-long logistics complex includes two cold storage halls with variable temperature settings, a dry goods hall, a truck wash equipped with a water recycling system, vehicle repair and forklift service facilities, a gas station, and electric vehicle chargers. By consolidating its storage operations into one centre, Tesco will streamline its supply chain processes and reduce emissions caused by transportation. As part of the investment, road development in the surrounding area has also been completed to ensure uninterrupted and efficient traffic flow for both the local population and the logistics centre.

Sustainability is a key focus of the new development. The facility is powered by renewable energy, with 8,620 solar panels installed, providing a total capacity of 3.75 MW. The building has been awarded an ‘A’ energy rating and is expected to achieve BREEAM certification by the end of 2024. According to Tesco’s calculations, the redesigned logistics operation will reduce annual transportation-related CO2 emissions by 830 tons. Additionally, the complex’s truck wash features a water recycling system, and an irrigation well has been installed to maintain green spaces without impacting the local drinking water supply.

“We are very pleased to take possession of our new domestic logistics centre, which is a huge milestone in the history of Tesco in Hungary,” said Zsolt Pálinkás, CEO of Tesco Hungary. “The retail sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years, with home delivery services, innovation, and sustainability becoming increasingly important. With this environmentally conscious logistics centre, equipped with the most modern technologies, we are better prepared to meet new demands while making progress toward carbon neutrality by 2035. CTP has proven to be an excellent partner, delivering world-class construction and real estate development solutions that support our position as a leader in the Hungarian retail market.”

Dr. Ferenc Gondi, Managing Director of CTP Hungary, emphasized the importance of this project: “The construction of Tesco’s domestic logistics centre in Szigetszentmiklós is a prominent milestone in CTP’s history in Hungary. We believe in becoming an integral part of the communities where our logistics parks are present, and this project reflects our commitment to enhancing quality of life for the local population. Through sustainable and people-centric real estate development, we strive to create transparent and innovative solutions that support economic growth while prioritizing environmental responsibility.”

similar news

Hungary strengthens potential as intermodal hub

 

Earthquake-resistant Racking for Colombian Coffee

AR Racking, leader in industrial storage solutions, is pleased to announce the successful installation of an adjustable pallet racking system for Buencafé Liofilizado de Colombia in Chinchiná, Caldas. The project, which covers an area of 5,280 m² and provides 4,344 pallet positions, represents a significant milestone in optimising the storage and logistics of the renowned coffee producer.

The solution implemented by AR Racking is characterised by its robust and versatile design, able to adapt to the specific needs of the coffee sector. The double-deep adjustable pallet racking system, with 4 beam levels, together with the earthquake-resistant structural calculation, guarantee safe and efficient storage of Buencafé’s products, even in areas of high seismic activity.

“We are very satisfied with our partnership with AR Racking on this project”, commented Alejandro López, Engineering Director of Buencafé. “Its experience and professionalism have been key to the success of the installation, and the new storage solution will allow us to optimise our logistics and increase our production capacity.”

For his part, Edward Suescun, Project Manager at AR Racking, highlighted the importance of this project for the coffee sector: “At AR Racking we are committed to developing the Colombian coffee sector, and this new installation is an example of how our storage solutions can help companies improve their efficiency and competitiveness.”

AR Racking is part of Grupo Arania, an industrial group of companies with extensive experience and scope, and with a multi-sectoral activity based on the transformation of steel that dates back more than 80 years. AR Racking provides the market with a wide range of solutions with high certified quality standards and a comprehensive project management service. AR Racking’s industrial storage systems stand out for their innovation, reliability and optimum efficiency.

similar news

Corona, Coffee & Containers

 

Subscribe

Get notified about New Episodes of our Podcast, New Magazine Issues and stay updated with our Weekly Newsletter.