Maersk Line resumes service from Dubai to Iraq
Maersk Line has resumed vessel movements to Iraq after several months of suspension due to the worsening security situation and other logistical problems.
Shipping industry sources told Emirates Business the service had been halted because of security concerns and alleged smuggling attempts. But now construction materials, food and supplies for United Nations humanitarian projects are being shipped from Dubai to the war-torn country.
"Maersk Line is pleased to announce that we have reopened the acceptance of commercial cargo to and from Iraq," a spokesman said. "This move is in response to the growing demand from our customers and the increased number of projects and volumes in and out of Iraq.
"Iraq has a population of more than 28 million and a huge wealth of resources. The main cargo flow to Iraq is for commodities ranging from machinery, electronics and medicines to construction materials and other goods. The country's biggest trading partners are the United States, China, South Korea and the European Union. Maersk Iraq is operating in Iraq through its sub-agent Inchcape Shipping Agency. Other than physical operations and customer service-related tasks, all other areas will be handled by the Jordan office."
Jay Suresh, Route Manager at AST International Shipping Services, an agent for Maersk, said: "The container service to Iraq was suspended for some time but has now been resumed. Every week two Maersk vessels go from Jebel Ali to Umm Saqr and Basra in Iraq. The service has been well received by various companies that have projects in Iraq."
Suresh said: "Other lines including Pars Star Shipping and ECU Line also have vessels going to Iraqi ports."
A spokesman for Pars Star said the company was represented in Iraq by Al Nahra Company for General Transportation and Marine Services. Pars Star had identified good business potential in cargo movements to Iraq for reconstruction projects and other dry cargo.
Some consignments are being taken to Iraq on dhows, trucks – which take a long route through Kuwait – and freight aircraft. But dhow operators from Dubai have scaled down trips to Iraq due to increased violence and piracy during the voyage through the Shatt Al Arab waterway.
Iraq shares borders with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia to the south, Jordan to the west, Syria to the northwest, Turkey to the north and Iran to the east.
The troubled country has a very narrow section of coastline at Umm Qasr on the Gulf. Maersk operates a direct service from the US to the Aqaba Container Terminal in Jordan.