On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the General Company for Ports of Iraq announced the commencement of installation works for fire-resistant and impact-absorbing panels within the interior walls of the immersed tunnel. This development marks a significant milestone in the strategic infrastructure project linking Um Qasr to Al-Faw via the Khor Al-Zubair navigation channel—one of the most critical components of Al Faw Grand Port.

Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the company, stated, “The executing firm for Al Faw Grand Port project has begun installing the interior walls of the immersed tunnel with specialized insulating and fire-resistant panels.”

He explained that the panels were specifically engineered to withstand extreme conditions, including shockwaves from explosions. They are designed to preserve the integrity and longevity of the concrete structure in the event of fires or accidents.

He added that the cladding will cover all internal tunnel walls and emergency exits, with particular focus on vehicle passage zones. The panel thickness was determined through rigorous engineering studies and subjected to stringent testing in Spain and Qatar, where they demonstrated high resilience against both explosions and fire hazards.

Al-Fartousi further noted that this phase is currently being implemented from the Um Qasr entrance toward Al-Faw, in parallel with the submersion of tunnel segments beneath the Khor Al-Zubair channel. The objective is to ensure full protection of the concrete walls and maintain the tunnel’s operational efficiency for decades to come.

The immersed tunnel at Al Faw Grand Port is the first of its kind in the Middle East and represents a cornerstone of the port’s infrastructure. The Iraqi government views it as a pivotal project for connecting the country to regional and international markets.