On 14th December 2024, Mr. Abdullah Shaban who is Executive Manager/ Shipbuilding Engineer at Al Zaman Group gave a speech in TEDx Baghdad at Dijlah Village, Baghdad.

The speech was about the Importance of having a shipyard in Basra governate, Iraq.

Mr. Abdullah explained that all the countries on the Arabian gulf have shipyards, except Iraq, because Iraq does not have the infrastructure that supports a shipbuilding industry. He started the speech by outlining Iraq’s previous history in boat building and mentioned three current reasons for having a shipyard in Iraq.

First, the Transfer of Knowledge and Technology; shipbuilding industry requires personnel that have expertise and licenses to build a ship, in addition there is equipment and machinery installed on ships which has come from international companies that developed the technology. Thus, when we work on shipbuilding in Iraq, we need local technical expertise and this transfer of knowledge and technology comes to Iraq through the shipbuilding industry.

Second, Providing job opportunities. The operation of a shipyard requires many technical, administrative staff, engineers, and skilled workers to operate which creates job opportunities for the unemployed.

Third, is the huge maritime traffic in the region; The gulf is a source of oil energy to the world. In Iraq alone there are about 3,000 entries to ports in addition to Oil Tankers that enter the Iraqi Oil Terminals for oil export operations. These vessels require a hub (shipyard) that provides maintenance services. As an Oil Export country, it’s also essential to protect the oil terminals and by having a shipyard we can maintain our Navy.

To be successful it is mandatory to have a strong education foundation for the maritime industry. Shipbuilding as a heavy industry, requires skilled workers and Naval Architect Engineers who design, build, and supervise the shipbuilding projects in Iraq.

Mr Abdullah Shaban added that there is a bonus for having shipyards and expertise in Iraq as a flag authority. Iraqi ships can’t raise the Iraqi flag onboard Iraqi owned ships because Iraqi ports don’t comply with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. But, having a shipyard and starting the shipbuilding industry with the presence of IACS classification will change the future status of Iraqi flag on ships.  

Building a modern Iraqi shipyard won’t just be an economic step; it will be a step to reclaim Iraq’s place on the global maritime map.

Mr Christophe Michels of IBBC said ’IBBC is honoured to have the Al Zaman Group as members who are leading our growing Maritime group, and with whom we are advising the Government of Iraq on establishing both a Maritime academy and capability in Basra.’

Mr Shaban said ‘ Al Zaman group is collaborating with the Government of Iraq, the Transport Ministry, maritime businesses, ports, and authorities to establish and invest in shipbuilding and maintenance services in Basra as a prelude to the Al Fawr port expansion that the Government of Iraq is supporting with international investment. We are confident Iraq will regain its place as a maritime authority in the Gulf and enjoy the benefits of developing the ship building industry ‘,