State Company for Maritime Transport

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

Shipping Arabia, October 20, 2026 – Iraq’s State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT) has held discussions with a delegation from Chinese technology company Huawei to explore potential cooperation in engineering services, electronic automation and technological development. The meeting focused on opportunities to leverage modern technologies and engineering expertise to support SCMT’s development and modernization plans.

The Huawei delegation visited SCMT under the direction of the company’s Director General, Chief Marine Engineer Ahmed Jassim Al-Asadi. The discussions formed part of efforts to explore technical and engineering solutions that could contribute to improving the company’s performance.

SCMT and Huawei Discuss Technology and Engineering Cooperation

The delegation was received by Deputy Director General for Technical Affairs and Chief Marine Engineer Amir Fadel Abdullah, alongside Deputy Director General for Administrative Affairs Hussein Karim Dawood. Several directors from relevant departments also attended the meeting.

During the joint discussions, representatives from both sides examined opportunities for technical cooperation, particularly in areas involving modern technology and engineering expertise.

The meeting highlighted SCMT’s interest in exploring how technological solutions and engineering capabilities could support its development and modernization objectives. Both sides discussed potential areas of cooperation aimed at enhancing the company’s operational and organizational performance.

Source: State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT)

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)

Shipping Arabia, September 28, 2026 – Iraq’s State Company for Maritime Transport participated in a joint meeting with maritime, port and border authorities to review complaints concerning procedures taken against shipowners and their agents.

The meeting brought together the State Company for Maritime Transport, the Iraqi Supreme Maritime Authority, the Fourth Region Border Command/Coastal Border Force and the General Company for Ports of Iraq.

The discussions were held under the direction of Minister of Transport Wahab Salman Al-Hassani and the supervision of State Company for Maritime Transport Director General Ahmed Jassim Al-Asadi. Assistant Director General for Technical Affairs Amir Fadhil Abdullah also attended the meeting.

Authorities Discuss Procedures Related to Complaints

Participants reviewed the measures taken in connection with the complaints submitted concerning shipowners and their agents.

The discussions focused on addressing the issues raised, organizing procedures and strengthening coordination between the authorities involved. The meeting brought together maritime, port and security bodies concerned with the matters under review.

Maritime and Security Coordination

Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining cooperation and coordination between Iraq’s maritime and security institutions.

They said continued coordination would help facilitate procedures and protect the interests of the parties concerned, while ensuring that actions remain in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Source: State Company for Maritime Transport