ShafaqNews- Baghdad
The firstdirect cargo vessel from China arrived at North Umm Qasr port in Basra,southern Iraq, marking the resumption of direct maritime shipments through theStrait of Hormuz, the General Company for Iraqi Ports reported on Monday.
Thevessel, MV KSL XINYANG, carried industrial equipment and materials for theIraqi oil sector, along with commercial goods. Total cargo volume reached29,720 tons.
FarhanAl-Fartousi, Director General of the company, told Shafaq News that Iraqi portscontinue to operate on regular schedules to maintain stable vessel traffic andcargo handling, noting that the vessel’s arrival reflects the ports’ capacityto sustain import flows despite recent regional disruptions.
Thestrategic waterway has remained largely restricted since February 28 followingthe US–Israel war on Iran, which disrupted energy flows and limited shipmentsacross the region, prompting Gulf producers, including Iraq, to scale backexports. Baghdad, however, secured access to the passage after Iran granted“brotherly Iraq” an exemption from “any restrictions imposed on the Strait ofHormuz,” setting it apart from states Tehran considers hostile.
: Iraq's oil lifeline blocked: Why the crisis runs deeper than Hormuz
