Jordanian minister inspects port

Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Mohammad Saleh al-Hourani yesterday inspected Aqaba port, the only Jordanian port on Aqaba Gulf, to verify its ability to receive tankers during emergencies.

"The preparations to import non-Iraqi oil via sea routes are giving confidence," the minister told reporters. The dock is ready to deal with tankers carrying crude oil and other products if it becomes necessary, the minister -- who is now to visit Aqaba to head the meetings held by the board of directors of the National Electricity Company -- added.

"Oil dock is able to receive giant oil-filled tankers," the director of docks said. Tankers carrying half a million tons of cargo could be received, he added. The port contains two pumping units. It is able to receive one or more tankers according to the volume of the tanker in the port.