The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced that the immersed tunnel project—one of the most strategic initiatives within Al Faw Grand Port —has entered an advanced implementation phase, marked by the commencement of operations to float the fifth concrete segment within the casting basin, in readiness for its deployment and precise placement beneath the navigational Khor Al-Zubair Channel.

Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the company, clarified that “the immersed tunnel project has entered a significant stage with the initiation of the floating process for the fifth concrete segment within the casting basin.”

He stated that “floating this fifth segment constitutes a pivotal development in the project’s progress, due to the complex engineering processes required, including draining the internal ballast tanks and meticulously adjusting the buoyant blocks following the removal of sediment from the basin.”

He added that “once floated, the segment will be towed to the logistics berth, where it will be technically prepared by installing surveying towers and GPS positioning systems, along with other logistical equipment to ensure its underwater placement follows the designated trajectory.”

He continued, “the installation of this segment beneath the Khor Al-Zubair Channel will contribute to completing a longitudinal stretch of 819 meters of the tunnel—from the landward approach to the end of the fifth segment. This marks a notable advancement in the overall tunnel length and strengthens the prospects of reaching the final closure stages within the planned timeline.”

These operations are being carried out amid complex marine, environmental, and logistical challenges, including irregular water currents, fluctuating weather conditions, and heavy transport procedures. Each phase represents a high-level engineering accomplishment, reflecting the expertise of the technical and engineering teams working on the project.