Working Conditions Aboard the Baghdad

In a significant boost for its maritime capabilities, Iraq has announced the acquisition of the 7,000 ton commercial freighter named Baghdad for $14 million USD (approximately 16 billion IQD). According to Samir al-Karkhi, the director of the Marine Shipping Company, this vessel is set to commence operations in February and is expected to alleviate many of the logistical challenges currently faced by the nation’s shipping industry. Al-Karkhi highlighted that the Ministry of Transport is diligently working to rejuvenate Iraq's merchant fleet. The Iraqi government aims to revitalize its maritime trading capabilities, as many of its existing vessels, primarily dating back to the 1950s, have either been seized or destroyed during the Gulf Wars and due to the subsequent U.N. sanctions imposed in 1991. Plans are in place for the government to expand its civil maritime fleet by acquiring a total of nine large vessels, with an overall investment target of $110 million USD (around 128 billion IQD).