Iraq and Pakistan have reached a new agreement to connect their key ports by ferry. The route will link Iraq’s Umm Qasr port with Pakistan’s Gwadar port. Officials believe this step will improve Iraq’s maritime trade and boost regional connectivity.
Umm Qasr sits in southern Iraq near the Kuwait border. It stands as Iraq’s largest commercial port. Gwadar, on Pakistan’s southern coast, serves as a major port along the Arabian Sea. The new ferry service will operate through Gulf waters.
The two countries aim to reduce transportation costs and simplify shipping. At the same time, they want to grow religious tourism between both nations. However, thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq each year. The new route makes travel easier and faster.
The ferry service will also help expand Iraq’s logistics and shipping capabilities. Improved port access will support Iraq’s maritime trade and encourage more regional partnerships.
Iraq’s Deputy Head of Mission Abdulqadir Sulyman Alhimiri and Pakistan’s Maritime Minister Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry finalized the deal during talks in Islamabad. As well as, they both agreed that closer maritime links will benefit people and businesses in both countries.
Sea Keepers, a licensed Pakistani maritime company, will operate the ferry. It becomes the first international company to manage such a route between the two countries. As well as, this move marks an important step for maritime services in the region.
The new link could open more opportunities for Iraq’s oil exports. Meanwhile, it may increase imports of Pakistani goods such as rice, meat, and medicine. However, faster shipping times will allow both countries to move essential goods more efficiently.
Iraqi officials say this project improves Iraq’s maritime trade by creating new pathways to South Asia. It also strengthens Iraq’s role as a regional trade partner.
In the long run, the ferry route may reduce pressure on other trade routes. Iraq hopes to rely less on land transportation by using sea links instead.
Officials believe this partnership reflects mutual trust and shared goals. Additionally iraq plans to develop more projects that support economic growth and trade.
By focusing on Iraq’s maritime trade, the country continues working toward stronger economic ties and better global access.