Dubai: The General Company for Ports of Iraq has launched a new direct international maritime route connecting Port Rashid in the United Arab Emirates with Umm Qasr Port. This initiative aims to enhance trade and reduce sea transit times between the two regions. According to National Iraqi News Agency, Abdul Sada Khalaf, Assistant Director General for Technical Affairs, announced that the newly established route is designed to operate with a transit time of no more than 36 hours and can accommodate up to 145 accompanied trailer trucks per voyage. The arrival of the first Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) shipment via this route marks the beginning of a significant development phase in maritime transport services at Umm Qasr Port. It provides a fast and direct cargo transport option with drivers, thus decreasing the dependency on land transport. Khalaf emphasized that the benefits of the new route extend beyond the Iraqi market. It also serves as a logistics corridor that connects Iraq with neighboring countries, inc luding Jordan, Syria, and Turkey, through existing land transport networks. This development enhances Iraq's position as a regional transit hub. He also highlighted that the company had already completed all necessary operational and technical preparations at Umm Qasr Port to ensure the smooth handling of Ro-Ro cargo. Furthermore, Khalaf stressed that the new maritime route will bolster bilateral trade between Iraq and the UAE and improve the efficiency of regional supply chains.