Saidrasoli, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and PMO Managing Director, announced that the first trip to Basra Port, Iraq, has begun on Friday, August 1, 2025.
17 The nautical-mile route is the shortest sea corridor for pilgrims heading to Iraq’s Holy Shrine, and was revitalized to strengthen two-way ties and improve pilgrimage infrastructure.
Operation for the second year in a row
Rasouli said the service has resumed for the second consecutive year after high-level meetings with Iraqi counterparts and coordinated over the past few months.
With 235-seater capacity and advanced onboard amenities, a civilian ship runs on the route to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
Continued and expanded operational planning
He added that if passenger demand is high, services could be extended to annual operations beyond the Albain season, while the number of daily voyages could increase during the peak of the pilgrimage period.
The move is in line with the PMO’s broader policies to promote maritime tourism and strengthen local passenger transport links.
MNA/MRUD