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U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
PRESS RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov
(202) 712-43202003-017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2003Contact: USAID Press Office
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced a $4.8 million award to Stevedoring Services of America (SSA) for assessment and management activities at the Umm Qasr port in Iraq. In addition to being a critical component of Iraq's economic infrastructure, the southern seaport is critical to USAID's efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq.
SSA will be responsible for the effective operation of the port, allowing food and other humanitarian and reconstruction materials and supplies to be delivered smoothly and efficiently. The Seattle, Washington-based company will provide an initial port assessment, develop improvement plans to overcome port-imposed constraints, and supply technical expertise to ensure an adequate flow of through shipment. The company will be responsible for the port pilots who will guide ships up the channel, and will manage the access of trucking companies to the port and establish a system of controls to avoid theft and corruption.
The marine terminal operating firm will also assist in locating and identifying obstacles that could affect the movement of shipping traffic, in coordination with local and national authorities. Under the terms of the contract SAA will also facilitate cargo-handling services such as warehousing, shipment tracking, refrigerated and other cargo storage and the onward transport of shipments. SSA's services aim to reduce vessel turn- around time and increase vessel productivity.
The seaport management contract is part of USAID's planned reconstruction assistance to the Iraqi people. The agency is prepared to rehabilitate critical infrastructure to help maintain stability, ensure the delivery of essential services, and facilitate economic recovery.
The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.
For more information on USAID's humanitarian relief efforts in Iraq, please visit www.usaid.gov/iraq/.
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