Shipping Arabia, October 14, 2026 – Iraq’s State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT) has announced the resumption of the Iraqi Line shipping service after several years of suspension, with its first voyage scheduled for October 15, 2026, from Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates to Umm Qasr Port in Iraq.
The relaunch marks the return of Iraq’s national maritime carrier to shipping operations. The initiative aims to strengthen maritime transport, facilitate cargo movement through Iraqi ports and support the country’s participation in regional trade.
The service will resume in cooperation with maritime transport company SAM, which is partnering in the initiative to restore Iraqi Line’s shipping activities.
Iraqi Line Shipping Service to Begin October 15
The first voyage of the revived Iraqi Line shipping service is scheduled to depart from Jebel Ali Port on October 15, bound for Umm Qasr Port. The announcement identifies the route as the starting point for the carrier’s return to maritime operations.
Promotional material accompanying the announcement confirms the inaugural voyage date and invites customers to book containers for the service. The Jebel Ali–Umm Qasr connection will provide a maritime transport option linking the United Arab Emirates with Iraq.
The cooperation with SAM forms part of the arrangements for restarting the service after its prolonged suspension. However, the announcement does not specify the vessels to be deployed, the frequency of future sailings or any additional ports that may be included in the service.
Strengthening Iraq’s National Maritime Transport Sector
According to the State Company for Maritime Transport, the return of Iraqi Line is intended to provide a national shipping option for transporting containers and other cargo. The initiative also seeks to strengthen the presence of Iraq’s national carrier in regional maritime trade.
The company emphasized that restoring the service would help support commercial activity and cargo transportation through Iraqi ports. By resuming maritime operations, Iraqi Line aims to contribute to the development of the country’s shipping sector and reinforce the role of national maritime transport in facilitating trade.
The announcement, issued under the name of SCMT General Manager Ahmed Jassim Al-Asadi, highlights the importance of restoring Iraqi shipping services as part of broader efforts to support the country’s maritime transport activities.
The relaunch also reflects an effort to expand the participation of Iraq’s national carrier in regional cargo movements, particularly container transportation. The planned connection between Jebel Ali and Umm Qasr represents the first announced step in that return.
With the inaugural voyage scheduled for October 15, the Iraqi Line shipping service is preparing to resume operations and reestablish its presence in maritime cargo transportation following years of inactivity.
Source: State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT)
