New Shatt al-Arab Marina Nears Completion in Basra

A new river taxi terminal / marina on the banks of the Shatt al-Arab has reached 96 percent completion, with the facility expected to open in early 2026. The project comprises a three-storey building designed in the shape of a ship, featuring a glass frontage. The structure has a total built area of 3,000 square metres, with a 100-metre riverside frontage and an extension of 30 metres into the Shatt al-Arab, without affecting the navigational channel. Each floor covers around 1,850 square metres and includes service facilities and meeting halls.

The development also includes a 1,000-square-metre car park and is intended to serve as the largest river taxi station in Iraq, supporting tourism and passenger transport in Basra. The facility is being developed by the General Company for Maritime Transport, which plans to support operations with 15 VIP boats, each with a capacity of 20 passengers, expected to arrive in Basra within a month. Two additional ferries, each with a capacity of 200 passengers and a length of 32 metres, are also set to be deployed.