The latest news on Iraq’s ports – security, tenders, Kuwait new port & competition and more – brought to you by Iraq Business News
By John Lee. The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has reported continued arrivals of cargo vessels at Iraqi ports during March, reflecting ongoing maritime trade activity despite regional tensions. According to the ministry, maritime agencies of the State Company for Maritime Transport (SCMT) have continued to provide services to incoming vessels, while cargo handling operations are […]
From Kapita Research. Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News. Iraq's 2026 Customs Reset Iraq's main ports have been partially paralyzed since the start of 2026. The cause is not a physical blockade but the activation of a new digital customs system […]
By John Lee. Iraq's General Customs Authority has announced temporary exceptional measures to accelerate the flow of goods and reduce congestion at ports. According to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), the authority said the measures were adopted in line with directives from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and in response to exceptional regional conditions affecting ports […]
By John Lee. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is investing in Aloreen Company for Investments Limited to finance new port equipment and expand capacity at Umm Qasr, Iraq's only deep-water port. The financing package will support the procurement of: Four ship-to-shore cranes; Ten rubber-tyred gantry cranes. The investment […]
By John Lee. Gulftainer has reported a 28 percent increase in throughput and container handling at its Iraq Container Terminal (ICT) at the start of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The company attributed the growth to expanded carrier services, an enhanced product portfolio and improved operational performance, strengthening the terminal's role as a […]
09By John Lee. Iraq's Industrial Coordination Council has approved a series of measures aimed at supporting industrial operations, infrastructure use, and fuel transition for manufacturing facilities. The Council approved the use of specialised berths (10 and 11) at Khor Al-Zubair Port to support the operation of a sponge iron plant, in line with the plant's […]
By John Lee. The operational plan for the Development Road project has been reviewed, alongside progress on engineering designs and economic feasibility. The discussions were held during a meeting involving Oliver Wyman, the project's financial advisory firm, and BTP, the Italian engineering consultancy, at the headquarters of the Iraqi Republic Railways Company. Key points covered […]
By John Lee. The Council of Ministers has approved measures related to water infrastructure in Basra and contract execution for the first phase of the Grand Faw Port project. The cabinet reviewed the Al-Baradhiya water project in Basra and approved the establishment of modular water treatment stations on the Shatt al-Arab to secure drinking water […]
From Almas Group Logistics: New Customs Regulations Take Effect at Umm Qasr Port: What Iraqi Importers Need to Know Iraqi Customs implements item-based duty calculations under Council of Ministers Decision No. 957/2025 applying customs duties based on individual item classification and value. Significant changes to customs clearance procedures are now in effect at Umm Qasr […]
By John Lee. The General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) has launched a new direct international Ro-Ro shipping line linking Port Rashid in the United Arab Emirates with Umm Qasr port, with the arrival of the first shipment of TIR trucks. The service, inaugurated on 25 December 2025, operates with a transit time of […]
By John Lee. DP World has introduced a new weekly 36-hour maritime service linking Dubai's Mina Rashid with Iraq's Umm Qasr Port, offering what it says is a faster and more predictable alternative to overland trucking. The route will accommodate up to 145 accompanied trailers per sailing on the upgraded 166.75-meter Ro-Ro vessel DP World […]
By John Lee. At the Iraq Britain Business Council (IBBC) conference in Basra, Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa Al-Sudani reaffirmed the government's commitment to advancing investment in cooperation with the private sector and international partners. Held under the theme "Gateway to Iraq," the conference gathered senior Iraqi and UK officials and leading companies to explore trade […]
