# Iraqi Line plans return to Gulf shipping after five decades

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/iraqi-line-plans-return-to-gulf-shipping-after-five-decades/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Jason Nicholson
- **Published:** 2026-10-16T16:30:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-16T08:19:56+00:00
- **Section:** Services
- **Type:** Service update
- **Topics:** Iraqi Line

## Service details

- **Carrier:** Iraqi Line
- **Effective from:** 15 October 2026
- **Route / ports:** Jebel Ali–Umm Qasr

Iraq’s national maritime carrier, Iraqi Line, has announced plans to resume commercial shipping operations in the Gulf after an interruption lasting more than five decades, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport.

The first voyage was scheduled to depart from Jebel Ali Port in the United Arab Emirates on 15 October 2026, bound for Umm Qasr Port in southern Iraq. The planned service is intended to re-establish the national carrier’s presence on regional maritime routes and provide an additional option for transporting containers and other cargo.

The ministry said the initiative forms part of efforts to reactivate Iraq’s national transport operators and strengthen their participation in regional trade.

## Planned service to support regional cargo movements

According to the Ministry of Transport, the return of Iraqi Line is intended to increase freight movements through Iraqi ports, support commercial exchanges with neighbouring countries and expand the national carrier’s role in maritime transportation.

The ministry stated that the last voyages undertaken by Iraqi cargo vessels in the region date back to the mid-1960s.

The initiative was announced as part of the government’s broader programme to develop national transport capabilities and restore maritime services.

Although the first departure was scheduled for 15 October, confirmation that the voyage has taken place was not available at the time of publication.

Further operational details, including the vessel assigned to the service, sailing frequency and cargo capacity, have not been specified in the announcement.

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Cite as: "Iraqi Line plans return to Gulf shipping after five decades", pelavox., 16 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/iraqi-line-plans-return-to-gulf-shipping-after-five-decades/