Umm Qasr is Iraq’s main operating sea port. Learn which Iraqi ports are operational in 2026, why Al Faw isn’t yet, and how cargo clears and moves inland.
Short answer: Umm Qasr, in Basra Governorate, is Iraq’s main commercial sea port and the default entry point for containerised and general cargo. In 2026 the two operational ports for commercial sea imports are Umm Qasr and Abu Flus (also spelled Abu Fulus). Al Faw Grand Port is still under construction and not yet in commercial operation.
Iraq’s ports in 2026 at a glance
| Port | Location | Status | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Umm Qasr | Basra Governorate, southern Iraq | Operational | Containers, general cargo, bulk, Ro-Ro, heavy lift |
| Abu Flus (Abu Fulus) | West bank of the Shatt al-Arab, Basra | Operational | General cargo, smaller vessels and barge-fed cargo |
| Al Faw Grand Port | Al Faw Peninsula, Basra Governorate | Under construction | Not yet in commercial operation |
Umm Qasr Port
Umm Qasr is managed by the General Company for Ports of Iraq (GCPI) under the Ministry of Transport and sits roughly 70 km south of Basra. It is split into North Port and South Port. North Port is the working hub, with terminals run by different operators for containers, general cargo, bulk and Ro-Ro.
Basra Gateway Terminal, operated under ICTSI, can receive container vessels of up to 14,000 TEU following the 2019 berth expansion. Other terminals handle steel, heavy lift and oil and gas equipment, which is why project cargo to southern Iraq usually enters here.
Abu Flus Port
Abu Flus is a smaller general cargo port on the west bank of the Shatt al-Arab. It serves smaller vessels and barge-fed cargo, so it suits specific cargo types rather than large container programmes. Whether it fits a shipment depends on vessel size, cargo type and the final destination.
Al Faw Grand Port: what it means for shippers today
Al Faw Grand Port is one of the region’s largest port projects. Five initial berths were handed over to Iraq in November 2024, but the port is not yet operating commercially. Until it does, plan every sea shipment through Umm Qasr or Abu Flus. Read our full guide to Al Faw Grand Port.
How cargo moves from Umm Qasr
- Shipping line and routing: Cargo from China, India, Türkiye, Europe and the Gulf reaches Umm Qasr by sea. Routes pass the Strait of Hormuz, so regional disruption affects schedules. See the impact of the 2026 Middle East conflict on Iraq sea freight.
- Customs: Declarations run through the ASYCUDA customs system. Since 10 July 2026, electronic verification of the Certificate of Origin and Commercial Invoice is mandatory. Details in our ASYCUDA verification guideand the Iraq Customs Clearance Guide 2026.
- Inland delivery: After clearance, cargo moves by road to Basra, Baghdad, Erbil and the rest of Iraq.
Shipping from Asia? See sea freight from China and Asia to Iraq.
How Iconic handles Umm Qasr cargo
Iconic has operated in Iraq since 2010, with headquarters in Erbil and offices in Baghdad and Basra. Our team handles sea freight, customs clearance, project and out-of-gauge cargo, warehousing and inland delivery, so one team manages the shipment from loading port to final site.
FAQ
What is Iraq’s main sea port?
Umm Qasr, in Basra Governorate. It is the main gateway for containerised and general cargo.
Which Iraqi ports are operational in 2026?
Umm Qasr and Abu Flus (Abu Fulus) are the operational commercial ports for sea imports.
Is Al Faw Grand Port open?
No. It is under construction and not yet in commercial operation. Route sea cargo through Umm Qasr or Abu Flus.
What documents are checked electronically?
The Certificate of Origin and the Commercial Invoice are verified through ASYCUDA, mandatory since 10 July 2026.
Can heavy or out-of-gauge cargo enter through Umm Qasr?
Yes. Several Umm Qasr terminals handle heavy lift and project cargo. Berth, crane and draft limits must be confirmed for each shipment before booking.
Which port suits small vessels and barge cargo?
Abu Flus (Abu Fulus), which serves general cargo on smaller vessels and barges.