The General Company for Iraqi Ports announced on Friday the arrival of the first commercial vessel on the new shipping line connecting the ports of Umm Qasr and Rashid in the UAE. The company also revealed strategic plans to link Iraqi ports with ports in the Middle East and East Asia.
The company’s chief engineer, Ghassan Hamada, told Al-Iraqiya News, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “The vessel ‘Dubai World Express’ arrived at the port of Um Qasr on the first voyage of the shipping line, which was launched on December 25th. It was carrying 145 trucks loaded with goods.”
Hamada added that “the journey took only 36 hours, representing a significant leap forward in reducing shipping times.” He noted that “this development enhances the reliability of maritime shipping operations and greatly reduces waiting times for goods at ports.”
He explained that “the next phase will witness the launch of goods exports from Umm Qasr Port to the United Arab Emirates, supported by streamlined procedures and facilities for the passage of trucks to their final destinations.”
He added that “there is a government initiative to open additional shipping routes connecting Iraq to ports in the Middle East, primarily with the Sultanate of Oman as a first phase, followed by steps to link Iraqi ports with ports in East Asia,” emphasizing that “these moves aim to strengthen supply chains and expand Iraq’s maritime services internationally.”
