Iraq has officially launched a new direct sea shipping route that connects Port Rashid in the UAE with Umm Qasr Port, and it’s already up and running.
The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced that the first shipment of TIR trucks arrived as part of this new Ro-Ro service, which started on December 25, 2025. Each trip takes up to 36 hours and can carry as many as 145 trucks at a time.
The goal is simple: move goods faster and make trade easier. Instead of relying heavily on long land routes, this sea line offers a quicker and more efficient option for transporting cargo.
This route isn’t just for Iraq. Officials say it’s meant to become a regional trade corridor, linking Iraq with nearby countries like Jordan, Syria, and Turkey through existing road networks once the trucks arrive at Umm Qasr.
All technical and operational work at Umm Qasr has already been completed to handle Ro-Ro ships. The new line is expected to boost trade between Iraq and the UAE and help smooth supply chains across the region.
In short, it’s a practical step that saves time, cuts pressure on land transport, and opens the door for stronger regional trade.
