Shipping Arabia, October 28, 2026 – Iraq’s national shipping line, Iraqi Line, has resumed commercial operations after decades of inactivity, marking its return with the arrival of the Iraqi-flagged vessel Al Basra at Umm Qasr Port. The vessel arrived from Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates carrying containers, representing a significant milestone in efforts to restore Iraq’s national maritime transport services.
The State Company for Maritime Transport, operating under Iraq’s Ministry of Transport, announced the vessel’s arrival as part of the resumption of Iraqi Line’s commercial voyages. The development reflects the company’s efforts to reactivate its national shipping operations and strengthen Iraq’s participation in regional maritime trade.
Basra Gateway Terminal (BGT), which received the vessel at Umm Qasr, also welcomed the return of the national carrier. The terminal described the renewed presence of an Iraqi-flagged commercial vessel as an important achievement for the country’s maritime sector.
Iraqi Line Restores Commercial Shipping Operations
Ahmed Jassim, Director General of the State Company for Maritime Transport, confirmed the arrival of Al Basra and emphasized the significance of restarting Iraqi Line’s commercial activities after a prolonged suspension.
Jassim explained that the renewed operations would strengthen the movement of cargo and containers between Iraqi and UAE ports. The service is also expected to provide traders and importers with additional maritime transportation options.
According to Jassim, restoring Iraqi Line’s operations will help facilitate import and export activities while encouraging greater commercial activity through Umm Qasr Port.
The initiative forms part of the company’s plans to reactivate the national carrier and expand its maritime transport services. These efforts aim to support cargo movements, strengthen Iraq’s presence in regional and international trade, and contribute to the national economy.
Basra Gateway Terminal Welcomes the National Carrier’s Return
Basra Gateway Terminal highlighted the importance of the vessel’s arrival, identifying the returning carrier as Sam Marine (Iraqi Line).
The terminal described the return as a milestone for Iraq’s national shipping industry, particularly after years without the same presence of Iraqi-flagged vessels in commercial operations.
BGT emphasized that the arrival of a national vessel at Umm Qasr reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Iraq’s maritime transport capabilities and improve the country’s trade connectivity.
The terminal also linked the development to wider efforts to reinforce the role of Iraq’s maritime sector in regional commerce.
Strengthening Trade Between Iraq and the UAE
The arrival of Al Basra from Jebel Ali highlights the renewed commercial shipping activity between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates under the Iraqi Line name.
According to the State Company for Maritime Transport, the resumption of operations is intended to create additional shipping opportunities for businesses moving cargo between the two countries.
Jassim said that expanding these maritime connections would facilitate trade procedures and contribute to smoother cargo movements through Umm Qasr Port.
Beyond the immediate commercial benefits, the company views the return of Iraqi Line as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the national carrier, expand maritime services and increase its contribution to Iraq’s economy.
The arrival also marks the return of the Iraqi flag to commercial shipping operations at Umm Qasr under the national carrier, following decades of inactivity.
Both the State Company for Maritime Transport and Basra Gateway Terminal emphasized the importance of the development in supporting Iraq’s maritime industry, strengthening regional trade links and restoring the national carrier’s role in commercial shipping.
Source: State Company for Maritime Transport and Basra Gateway Terminal
