First cargo ship from China docks at Iraq’s Umm Qasr as Hormuz reopens

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The General Company for Ports of Iraq welcomed the first commercial cargo vessel to dock at the Umm Qasr Northern Port on Monday, June 1, 2026, following the official resumption of maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The bulk carrier, MV KSL XINYANG, arrived directly from China, signaling a major breakthrough for regional supply chains after a prolonged period of military blockades and severe shipping halts.

Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, stated in an official media release that the arrival of the vessel serves as a vital reassuring message regarding the stability of international maritime navigation.

He emphasized that the direct voyage confirms the continuous flow of containerized goods into Iraqi waters despite the heavy geopolitical security challenges that previously paralyzed the region.

Al-Fartousi added that managing this initial post-blockade arrival proves the high operational readiness of Iraqi ports to adapt to sudden maritime changes, reflecting the deep confidence global liner companies place in the country’s logistical and marine service efficiencies.

The MV KSL XINYANG marks a significant economic milestone as the premier vessel to traverse the re-opened Strait of Hormuz directly from Chinese manufacturing hubs to Umm Qasr.

The ship carried a diverse industrial payload totaling 29,720 tons, which featured highly critical heavy equipment and raw materials earmarked for Iraq’s oil and gas infrastructure alongside standard commercial consumer goods.

This successful docking is expected to immediately revitalize domestic commercial activity and boost import volumes across southern Iraqi ports as the country works to recover from the economic strain of the shipping freeze.

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المصدر: Iraqi News