As we continue the drawdown of equipment and cargo in Iraq, one of the positive developments is the expansion of cargo moving through Iraq's only seaport, Umm Qasr.  Between violence from the Iran / Iraq War and the Saddam regime, the port has never really been set up for success until now.

Currently, a large portion of U.S. military cargo being shipped back to the USA is sent by ship from Umm Qasr.  While this new businees is good, it is not the type of long lasting business that will keep an economy going.  However, it may provide a jolt of business as many of the cargo vessels are of the commercial kind.  As more commercial carriers dock at Umm Qasr, the more trade will flow between Iraq and the rest of the world.  It is a great strategic location and could be one of the stops on what we call cargo vessels "liner" service.  Other stops are usually in places like Dubai, Jeddah, Saudia Arabia, and Bahrain.

The port itself is near a U.S. Army base camp, Camp Bucca.  The seaport was run by the British until they recently turned it over to US A.I.D.  Still, military logisticians visit the port to coordinate shipments and arrange future vessel timelines.

My command has routinely sent liaison officers to Umm Qasr to ensure that we meet face-to-face with all of the key port leaders and have visibility over military cargo moving through there.

In the last year, ships from such countries as North Korea, Jordan, Panama and Sierra Leone have arrived at Umm Qasr carrying wheat, cars and building materials. Built in 1958, Umm Qasr is designed to handle agricultural and manufactured goods and is Iraq’s only deep-water commercial port.

The commanding General of U.S. Forces Iraq was recently quoted in a DVIDS article stating “If they [Umm Qasr Port Authority] become more efficient, they have an incredible opportunity,” Odierno said of the port authority and its role in Iraq’s economic future.

Port cargo operations at Umm Qasr, Iraq.

Members of Central Command Distribution Operations Center observe port operations at Umm Qasr.

The "donut man" sells Iraqi donuts to merchant mariners from a cargo vessel docking at Umm Qasr.

Iraq Navy at Umm Qasr.