The first of two power ships leased by Iraq to provide up to 590MW during this summer’s peak power demand period has arrived at Um Qasr port in Basra. Karpowership’s Orhan Ali was docked at Um Qasr’s pier 9 on 21 August with preparations underway to supply the vessel with diesel fuel according to local reports. The Turkish firm lists the Orhan Ali as a ‘Khan Class’ vessel with a capacity of 470MW.
The Orka Sultan, a second ship with 200-260MW capacity, is currently anchored in Iraqi waters and is expected to arrive at Khor al-Zubair port next month. Karpowership’s contract only lasts for 70 days, but Iraq has kept the door open for a future contract extension (MEES, 1 August). Power from the vessels will supply parts of Basra and help meet some of the Iraqi grid’s load this month and next. Iraq is facing an unprecedented power crisis with scheduled blackouts across the country; unexpectedly high demand last week led to a full grid shut down (MEES, 15 August). (CONTINUED - 172 WORDS)