Imagine a place so small yet so powerful that it has the potential to forever change the way world trade operates. A place capable of challenging one of the most iconic shipping routes in history - the Suez Canal. Sounds incredible, right? Well, what if I told you that this place already exists? In Iraq.

Welcome to the Fao Peninsula - this narrow strip of land holds grand ambitions. It is Iraq's only coastline and will soon be at the heart of one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the world. But the question remains: can this project really compete with the Suez Canal? More importantly, can it turn Iraq into a global trade superpower?

We're talking about a port so massive that it's being built on an artificial island. A "dry canal" stretching 2,000 kilometers, connecting the Persian Gulf and Turkey. Its engineering solutions are rewriting the rules of modern infrastructure. But the key point is this: it's not just about ships and cargo. It's about Iraq's future, and potentially the future of global trade.

Are you ready to dive deep into how a war-ravaged country is betting big on a project that could change the world? Because this is a journey through the Fao Peninsula you've never seen before. Let's get started!

First, let's talk about why the Fao Peninsula is so important. This small piece of land in southern Iraq is Iraq's only coastline, located on the edge of the Persian Gulf - one of the most vital waterways in the world. For decades, Iraq's access to global trade has been limited, but that is about to change. The Iraqi government has a bold plan: to transform the Fao Peninsula into a global trade hub. They are investing billions of dollars to make this happen.

The centerpiece of this plan is Al Faw Grand Port, one of the largest infrastructure projects in the world. It's no ordinary port - it's built on an artificial island with container terminals capable of accommodating the largest ships on Earth. We're talking about New Panamax container ships, each capable of carrying over 14,000 containers! To put that into perspective, if all these containers were lined up, they would stretch over 85 kilometers. That's the scale of this project.

But building such a massive port is no easy feat, and it comes at a significant cost. The estimated price for Al Faw Grand Port is around $7 billion, and that's just for phase one. The project is being carried out in stages, with the ultimate goal of handling 99 million tons of cargo annually. That would be enough to rank it among the top ten ports in the world.

Now, let's talk about the challenges. Building a port of this scale in a country like Iraq isn't just about money; it involves overcoming decades of conflict, limited resources, and harsh geographic conditions. For instance, the port needs to prevent what's called "scouring," where the impact of large vessels erodes the seabed. To solve this problem, engineers are using concrete mattresses instead of traditional rock revetments. These mattresses install faster, cost less, and perform just as well.

Another major challenge is dredging - digging the seabed to create deepwater channels for ships. This requires removing more than 100 million cubic meters of sand and sediment. To protect the port from waves and sediment buildup, Iraq is constructing the longest breakwater in the world, stretching over 14 kilometers.

But the Fao Grand Port is just part of the story. What truly changes the game is the Iraq Development Road, also known as the "dry canal." This is a 2,000-kilometer network of roads and railways connecting Fao to Turkey, passing through major Iraqi cities like Basra, Baghdad, and Mosul. How much does it cost? Another $17 billion.

Why is this so important? It creates a land route as an alternative to the Suez Canal. Currently, ships traveling between Asia and Europe must pass through the Suez Canal, which is often congested and faces risks like piracy. The dry canal can reduce shipping time by up to 10 days, making it a faster and safer option for many traders.

The project has already reached some important milestones. In 2020, Iraq signed start agreements with international companies, and in 2023, the first phase of the port began operations. However, there is still a long way to go. The entire project is expected to take 10 to 15 years, requiring not only funding but also stability and cooperation in a region that has endured decades of conflict.

So, what's at stake here? If successful, the Fao Grand Port and the Iraq Development Road will transform Iraq from a war-ravaged nation into a global trade powerhouse. It will create thousands of jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign investment, and secure Iraq a place in international trade.

But the key point is this: it's not just about Iraq. It's about opening a new route that has the potential to reshape the global trade landscape. That's why the Fao Peninsula is more than just a project; it's a vision for the future.

So, what's next for the Fao Peninsula and Iraq's ambitious vision? Let's dig deeper.

Once fully operational, the Fao Grand Port will become a large hub integrating container terminals, industrial parks, and urban development. It's not just a port; it's a blueprint for Iraq's future economy, aiming to handle millions of tons of cargo annually and compete with the busiest ports in the world.

But what truly changes the game is the Iraq Development Road, also known as the "dry canal." This 2,000-kilometer road and rail network will connect Fao to Turkey, providing a land-based alternative to the Suez Canal. Why is this important? While the Suez Canal is iconic, it faces issues like overcrowding and piracy. The dry canal can cut shipping time by up to 10 days, making it a faster and safer option for global trade.

Its benefits extend far beyond that. The project is set to bring new opportunities to landlocked countries in the region, positioning Iraq as a trade hub for the Middle East and beyond. This presents Iraq with the chance to diversify its economy, create thousands of jobs, and attract billions of dollars in foreign investment.

But let's face it—this is no easy task. The project costs $24 billion, and Iraq still faces challenges like political instability and security risks. Competing with the Suez Canal, which has over 150 years of history, is no small feat.

However, the potential rewards are immense. If successful, this project could transform Iraq from a war-ravaged nation into a global trade powerhouse. It's a bold vision, but it has the potential to reshape the future of global trade.

Can the Fao Peninsula project succeed? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this project symbolizes hope and ambition. It reminds us that even the greatest dreams can become reality with determination and innovation.

Source: Incredible Construction

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7498235439606743602/

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