The General Company for Ports of Iraq announced the arrival of the first commercial cargo vessel at the Northern Port of Umm Qasr on Monday following the official resumption of maritime shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The bulk carrier MV KSL XINYANG arrived directly from China, marking a significant milestone for regional trade and supply chains after months of disruption caused by military tensions, maritime blockades, and severe restrictions on shipping traffic.

In an official statement, Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, described the vessel’s arrival as a reassuring indicator of the restoration of stability in international maritime navigation.

Al-Fartousi said the successful direct voyage demonstrates the continued flow of commercial cargo into Iraqi waters despite the geopolitical and security challenges that had previously disrupted maritime operations across the region.

He added that the handling of the first post-blockade vessel highlights the operational readiness of Iraqi ports to respond effectively to sudden changes in maritime conditions. According to Al-Fartousi, the successful docking also reflects the confidence international shipping companies place in Iraq’s port infrastructure and logistics services.

The MV KSL XINYANG is the first vessel to sail through the reopened Strait of Hormuz directly from Chinese manufacturing centers to Umm Qasr, underscoring the strategic importance of the waterway to global trade.

The vessel delivered approximately 29,720 tons of cargo, including critical heavy equipment and raw materials intended for Iraq’s oil and gas sector, alongside a range of commercial consumer goods.