Abstract
Abstract :
In the last three decades, globalization has played an important role in
dramatically accelerating the evolution of competitive trade which requires
comprehensive and correlated trade logistics including transportation that
represents the heart of these logistics. Advanced information technology
and communications has performed a pivotal role in designing new multimeans transportation and handling systems.
In response to these changes, a fifth generation of ports has developed
to expand the functionality and specifications of a port from a port gate to a
logistic center. Consequently, significant changes to the ports management
and handling systems have been introduced in order to insure fast, reliable
and low-cost shipping that would comply and compete with the advanced
modelled vessels.
Mean while, Iraq’s ports have been continuously depleted as a result
of consecutive wars that has weakened its capabilities to the degree that it
cannot function as a first generation port. Without any options, Iraq has
needed to rely on the use of ports of other nearby countries for the import
and export of its goods. Additionally, Iraq has not been able to take
advantage and utilize effectively its geographical location and be a part of
the growing global trades between the advanced western world and the
developing economies of eastern countries.
Since Iraqi ports have favourable characteristics, the likes of excellent
geographical location, in terms of representing the shortest link between
the west and east, this study surmises the possibilities of improving the
competitive capabilities of Iraqi ports through the implementation of
suggested requirement provided in the thesis. Further more, this thesis
aims at analysing the competitive capabilities of current Iraqi ports and
highlights the real reasons behind its deterioration. This leads us to
conclude a set of requirements to improve the Iraqi ports so it can compete
successfully with the other regional ports.
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Abstract
In order to accomplish these goals, the thesis is divided into four
chapters as follows:
Chapter one: Introduction to the transportation theory, with focus on the
shipping systems and its role in global trade.
Chapter two: Current competitive capabilities of the Iraqi ports in the light
of the modernization of vessels.
Chapter three: Analysis of the potential international demand on Iraqi port
services.
Chapter four: Quantitative and qualitative requirements to enhance the
competitive capabilities of Iraqi ports.
The thesis has concluded that the incapable Iraqi port’s infrastructure
for handling large commercial vessels is the most significant factor in
reducing its competitive capabilities for international trade despite the
attractive low docking fees offered by these ports. The current global trend
of building large vessels to reduce shipping cost has made the necessity of
having facilities for handling large vessels a prerequisite for improving the
Iraqi ports efficiency and competiveness in response to the potential global
trade demands. In addition, the thesis has found that the Iraqi ports and its
dry canal will not be an alternative to the shipping line through the Suez
Canal but a complimentary shipping line.
The thesis has suggested that the construction of Al Faw grand port, in
compliance with the international specifications, is an essential step
towards improving the Iraqi competitive capabilities. Al Faw grand port
must be provided with efficient facilities and equipped with advanced
technology in order to accommodate the handling of giant vessels and large
numbers of containers. The dry canal needs to be constructed concurrently
with the Al Faw grand port in order to prevent any possible congestion as a
result of high trading demand. In addition, the thesis has suggested the
necessity for joining the international and the regional organizations /
unions that governs the shipping industry and comply with their related
regulations and guidelines.
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