DP World launches 36-hour Dubai–Iraq RoRo sea corridor

DP World has launched a new 36-hour maritime service linking Dubai’s Mina Rashid with Iraq’s Umm Qasr Port, creating a faster and more predictable alternative to traditional overland trucking routes between the two markets. The dedicated RoRo service is designed to handle up to 145 accompanied trailers per sailing, significantly reducing transit times, costs and cross-border complexities for regional trade.

The service was officially inaugurated at Mina Rashid with the arrival of DP World Express, the purpose-built RoRo vessel assigned to the route. Recently upgraded at Drydocks World, the vessel is scheduled to commence regular operations in December 2025, marking a key expansion of DP World’s non-containerised cargo capabilities in the Middle East.

Unlike conventional trailer movements that rely heavily on land corridors, the new service transports full trailer units with drivers travelling on board. This accompanied model enables a secure, door-to-door solution between the UAE and Iraq, minimising cargo handling and reducing risks associated with multiple handovers. It also allows for smoother onward transit into neighbouring markets, including Jordan and Syria, via established inland routes from Iraq.

The launch ceremony was attended by senior UAE and Iraqi officials, underscoring the strategic importance of the corridor for bilateral and regional trade. DP World said the service responds directly to growing customer demand for faster and more controlled trailer movements, particularly across key trading sectors that require reliability and simplified planning.

By shifting a portion of freight from road to sea, the corridor also offers sustainability advantages. Reduced reliance on long-haul trucking is expected to lower carbon emissions while easing congestion and operational pressures on land borders. On the return leg, DP World Express will carry Iraqi export cargo back to the UAE, supporting balanced, two-way trade flows and improving overall asset utilisation.

The Dubai–Iraq RoRo link further strengthens DP World’s integrated logistics network in the GCC and beyond, complementing its ports, customs facilitation and inland connectivity. As regional supply chains continue to seek resilience and efficiency, the new service positions Mina Rashid as a critical maritime gateway for trade with Iraq and the wider Levant, offering shippers a reliable alternative in a complex operating environment.