BGT rolls out power-saving, safety measures; launches mobile app

Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), the largest container terminal in Iraq, continues to set the industry standard in the country for sustainability, safety, and innovation.

BGT recently switched to LED lights to illuminate the container yards at BGT East.  Replacing traditional light bulbs with energy efficient and environment-friendly LEDs allows the Company to lower its power consumption which helps reduce carbon emissions – one of the primary contributors to climate change.

Over at BGT West, the quay cranes were upgraded to automatically switch their lights off during the day and whenever the equipment are not in use. BGT also upgraded the lighting system at the yard to optimize its function by allowing lights in some areas to be turned off without creating visibility issues.

Improved Safety

Safety is one of BGT’s core values and a cornerstone of the Company’s successful operations.  To further improve safety during ship loading and unloading operations, BGT’s Engineering team introduced the Twin Detection System for quay cranes.  The system is designed to assist the operator by automatically detecting the difference between two 20-foot containers and a single 40-foot container – a feature that is especially useful during low visibility weather conditions.

BGT’s quay crays have also been equipped with an alarm system that activates while moving vessel hatch covers. The system also slows down the speed of the cranes to further ensure the safety of workers on the ground.

Quay cranes are subjected to regular inspections to ensure each unit is in optimal operating condition.

Enhanced Customer Experience and Transparency

BGT has launched the Basra Gateway Terminal mobile app to provides users with a one-tap container tracking service.  The app provides users with real-time updates on containers and their life cycles inside BGT, vessel schedule and berth information, and allows them to request online invoices.  A first in the Iraqi port industry, the issuance of electronic invoices is part of BGT’s goal to shift to paperless transactions.

Available in iOS and Android platforms, the app is one of BGT’s latest innovations that promotes transparency and better customer experience.