DP World unveils 36-hour Dubai-Iraq sea link to speed up trade
Upgraded RoRo vessel supports rapid trailer transport between the two nations
DUBAI – DP World has introduced a new 36-hour maritime service linking Dubai’s Mina Rashid with Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port, creating a faster alternative to overland trucking and enabling the transport of up to 145 accompanied trailers on each sailing.
The route is designed to cut transit times, reduce costs for businesses operating across the Middle East and offer a predictable link for non-containerised cargo movements.
The service will be operated by DP World Express, the dedicated RoRo vessel that recently completed upgrades at Drydocks World.
Launch event
The inauguration ceremony at Mina Rashid welcomed officials from the UAE and Iraq, marking a significant expansion in regional connectivity.
Attendees included Dr Muzaffar Mustafa Al-Jubouri, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Dr Abdulla Busenad, Director General of Dubai Customs; Brigadier Nabil Mohammed Algergawi, Assistant Director General for Sea and Land Ports Affairs at GDRFA; Dr Emad Ali Al-Azzawi, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Iraq; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; and Shahab Al Jassmi, Chief Commercial Officer for Ports and Terminals at DP World GCC.
Cargo movement
The vessel will carry full trailer units with drivers on board, offering a seamless door-to-door service between the UAE and Iraq. The corridor supports onward transit into neighbouring markets and reduces the complexities associated with cross-border trucking, including handling requirements and delays. By enhancing reliability, the service aims to become a preferred option for industries that rely on controlled trailer movements and time-sensitive shipments.
On the northbound route, the service strengthens access into Iraq’s major commercial hubs and connects with established inland networks into Jordan and Syria. Southbound voyages will transport export cargo from Iraq back to the UAE, supporting two-way trade and improving supply chain efficiency across the region.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the maritime bridge creates a predictable route that reduces time, cost and complexity while supporting economic opportunity along the corridor. Abdulla Bin Damithan noted that the shift toward accompanied trailers reflects strong customer demand for faster and more reliable cross-border movements.
The new service expands DP World’s integrated logistics capabilities, increases direct maritime connectivity for non-containerised cargo and contributes to sustainability goals by lowering CO2 emissions compared with alternative transport and logistics options.