Iraq’s State Shipping Line Prepares to Resume Gulf Voyages After 50 Years
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The Arab Post
- . October 6, 2026
- . Update: October 6, 2026 1:11 pm
Iraq’s State Shipping Line is set to commence commercial voyages in the Gulf on October 15, ending a hiatus of more than fifty years. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport revealed this information on Monday, adding that the national carrier, also known as the Iraqi Line, will restore important trade routes in the Middle East.
Jebel Ali to Umm Qasr: The Inaugural Route
The company will launch its inaugural route from Jebel Ali Port in the UAE, delivering cargo directly to Iraq’s main seaport of Umm Qasr. Transport Minister Wahab al-Hasani personally headed this move to restore the state shipping company operations.
This relaunch of commercial shipping operations in the Gulf is the first since the mid-1960s.
Overcoming Decades of Maritime Disruption – Iraq’s State Shipping Line
An official announcement states that it is one of the first steps in the modernizing process of Iraq’s maritime transport. Because of recent problems in this sector, Iraq has no choice but to use its national shipping company.
The launch of this initiative allows for a more secure supply of goods coming from abroad because it will be carried out through the national maritime carriers.
Strategic Impact on Middle Eastern Freight
The long-expected comeback of Iraq’s State Shipping Line indicates a major turning point in regional transportation systems. By resuming regular commercial voyages into the Gulf, container traffic through the company involved in ports of Iraq will be increased substantially and vessels of Iraq will return to the global trade chain.
In the end, it strengthens the economic independence of Iraq in terms of trading activities. By using its own fleet, Iraq ensures the development of secure maritime infrastructure.
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