News
01.07.2009
Iraqi port unloading 202,000 tonnes of wheat
Iraq's Umm Qasr port is currently taking delivery of 202,000 tonnes of Australian, German and Russian hard wheat that were purchased this year, shipping sources said on Monday. The port, the entry point for most of the country's bulk commodity imports, was also expecting, by the end of July.
Five vessels carrying around 250,000 tonnes of wheat, mainly Russian and Romanian but including a 50,000 tonnes shipment of Canadian wheat. They said the port was currently unloading two vessels carrying 102,000 tonnes of Australian wheat. Another two vessels had 47,500 tonnes and 52,500 tonnes of Russian and German wheat respectively. The first vessel, Torm Tina, which began discharging on June 15, had 7,540 tonnes left of a total cargo of around 52,500 tonnes of Australian wheat.
The second vessel, Etoile, which began discharging on June 20, had 20,800 tonnes remaining of a total cargo of 52,500 tonnes, they said. The third vessel, Golden Strength, which began discharging on June 24, had 22,640 tonnes remaining of a total cargo of around 49,500 tonnes of Australian wheat.
The fourth vessel, Myron N, which began discharging on June 25, had 30,000 tonnes remaining of a total cargo of around 47,500 tonnes of Russian wheat. A fifth vessel, Efrossini, which arrived at Umm Qasr on June 14, with a cargo of 50,250 tonnes of Australian wheat, was anchored and waiting for clearance to discharge. Iraq is one of the world's leading importers of wheat and rice. The country has been diversifying its sources of both grains after making major US purchases in past years.
Reuters
