Dubai, UAE –DP World has launched a new maritime transport service connecting Port Rashid in Dubai with Umm Qasr Port in Iraq, offering a direct sea crossing time of just 36 hours. The service provides a faster and more cost-effective alternative to road transport, with the capacity to carry up to 145 accompanied trailers per voyage.

The service was officially inaugurated at Port Rashid with the reception of the Ro-Ro vessel DP World Express, which will operate the new route. The vessel recently underwent a comprehensive refurbishment programme at Drydocks World and is scheduled to commence commercial operations in December 2025.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior officials from the UAE and Iraq, including H.E. Dr. Muzhafar Mustafa Al-Jubouri, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the UAE; Dr. Emad Ali Al-Azzawi, Acting Consul General of Iraq; H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; Dr. Abdulla Busnad, Director General of Dubai Customs; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; Brigadier Nabil Mohammed Al Qarqawi, Deputy Assistant Director General for Maritime and Land Ports Affairs at Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs; and Shihab Al Jassmi, Vice President of Commercial Affairs for Ports and Terminals at DP World GCC.

The vessel will transport non-containerised, fully loaded trailers, with drivers travelling onboard, offering a secure, end-to-end logistics solution for door-to-door cargo movement between the UAE and Iraq. The service is also expected to facilitate onward transit to neighbouring countries, improving service reliability while reducing border-related complexities.

Commenting on the launch, H.E. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said the new service would establish a faster and more efficient maritime bridge between Dubai and Iraq, strengthening trade flows across the Middle East. He noted that the route provides customers with a reliable and predictable shipping option that reduces time, costs and operational challenges, while supporting sustainable economic growth along the trade corridor.

The introduction of the service reflects growing customer demand for faster, more controlled transport solutions for accompanied trailers, while minimising handling requirements and simplifying logistics planning across key commercial sectors.

The new route also enhances access to major commercial hubs within Iraq and supports wider connectivity with Jordan and Syria through existing land corridors, contributing to increased regional trade activity. On the return journey, DP World Express will carry export cargo from Iraq to the UAE, further supporting bilateral trade and improving supply chain efficiency across the region.

Abdulla Bin Damithan said the shift towards accompanied trailer transport responds directly to market needs for faster and more reliable cross-border solutions. He added that the direct maritime link from Port Rashid enables businesses to plan with greater confidence, respond more quickly to market demand, and streamline cargo movement across the region.

DP World said the new service strengthens its integrated logistics offering and expands direct maritime connectivity for non-containerised cargo. It also supports sustainability objectives by reducing carbon emissions compared to alternative transport and shipping options.

Key Facts

• Service launch: December 2025 (weekly service)
• Transit time: 36 hours
• Capacity: Up to 145 accompanied trailers per voyage
• Vessel specifications: Ro-Ro passenger vessel, 166.75 metres in length