Iraq has become a key concern for
Gulf shippers, the Middle East Newsline reported. Industry sources said maritime security marked a major element in Iraqi reconstruction. They said shippers have monitored the safety of Iraqi ports and water lanes for piracy, organized crime and insurgents. According to experts, oil exports currently provide Iraq with the life-blood of its reconstruction efforts, without which the country's ability to build and regenerate will be greatly hampered. Until either a dedicated waterborne protection force is in place, or a system is developed that would allow vessels to radically minimize time at anchor, the risks may well prove too high and ship owners and operators will choose to go elsewhere. (Source: Middle East Newsline)