DP World has launched a new maritime service connecting Dubai’s Mina Rashid with Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port, cutting transit times to 36 hours and offering an alternative to overland trucking. The route is designed to carry up to 145 accompanied trailers per sailing, with drivers traveling on board.
The service was inaugurated at Mina Rashid with the arrival of DP World Express, a roll-on/roll-off vessel that has been upgraded at Drydocks World. Commercial operations are scheduled to begin in December 2025. The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, as well as executives from DP World and related authorities.
The vessel will transport non-containerised, full trailer units, providing a direct door-to-door option between the UAE and Iraq. DP World said the route is intended to improve reliability, reduce border-related delays and support onward connections to neighboring markets, including Jordan and Syria, through established inland networks. On return voyages, the ship will carry Iraqi export cargo to the UAE.
Company executives said the service responds to demand for faster and more predictable cross-border movement of goods, while reducing handling requirements. DP World also noted that shifting freight from longer land routes to sea transport could lower emissions associated with regional logistics.
Photo credits: Government of Dubai Media Office
Alexander Agafiev Macambira is former tech contributing writer for Forbes Monaco.
Alexander Agafiev Macambira
