Sea Freight Services in Iraq

Import Into Iraq by Sea.
Export From Iraq
Full Container & Groupage Shipping.

Sea Freight via Umm Qasr Port | Masar Logistics

Want to ship large or heavy cargo to Iraq safely? Masar Logistics offers the most cost-effective ocean freight from China, Turkey, Europe, and worldwide.

What We Offer:

  • FCL & LCL Shipping: Full container loads or Shared containers, matching any cargo size.
  • Umm Qasr Specialists: Smooth customs clearance at Iraq’s main seaport in Basra.
  • Inland Trucking: Full door-to-door delivery from the ocean port to Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, or any city in Iraq.
From global ports to your door—Masar Logistics makes sea freight simple with one local team in Iraq, managing everything in Arabic with zero hassle.

How It Works: Our Import Sea Freight Model

Importing into Iraq by sea is simple with Masar Logistics. Here is our 3-step ocean freight model:
01 Buy From Your Supplier Worldwide
Source your goods from China, Turkey, UAE, or anywhere globally. If your supplier doesn’t know how to ship to Iraq, don’t worry—we handle the pickup and sorting for you.
02 Ship to Our Address or Shared Containers
For small shipments, use our warehouse address abroad. We combine your goods with other shipments to save you costs. For full containers, we manage the loading at your supplier’s location and book the ship.
03 We Ship to Umm Qasr & Deliver to Your Door
We manage the sea journey to Umm Qasr Port, take care of all Iraqi customs clearance and paperwork, and truck the cargo straight to your warehouse anywhere in Iraq. One service, zero stress.
Don’t have a supplier yet? Our Procurement Service takes care of everything from scratch. We find and verify trusted factories for you in China, Turkey, or anywhere worldwide, inspect the product quality before shipping to make sure it matches your order, and then handle the entire shipping and customs process straight to your door in Iraq.

FCL vs LCL Sea Freight, Which Option Is Right for You?

Product Categories
FCL — Full Container Load LCL — Less than Container Load (Shared)
You rent the entire container You share container space with other shippers
Best for shipments above 15–20 CBM Best for smaller shipments from 1 to 15 CBM
Pay only for the space you use (Per CBM) Pay only for the space you use (Per CBM)
Faster — moves directly with no consolidation delays Slightly slower — requires time for cargo collection
More secure — no cargo mixing inside the container Goods travel safely with other well-managed cargo
Ideal for large orders, bulk goods, and heavy items Ideal for regular smaller orders or new business test runs
Not sure which option fits your cargo? Share your dimensions and weight, and our team will recommend the right choice. Whether you are starting small with LCL or shipping full FCL containers, Masar Logistics handles your business with the same level of care.

Container Specifications & Specialized Sea Cargo

We provide standard container capacities and specialized equipment via Umm Qasr Port to match your exact shipping volumes.

01. Standard Container Capacities (FCL)

  • 20ft Standard Container (20GP): Max capacity 33 CBM (Fits approx. 25–28 CBM of actual cargo) / 21,700 kg payload.
  • 40ft Standard Container (40GP): Max capacity 67 CBM (Fits approx. 55–58 CBM of actual cargo) / 26,500 kg payload.
  • 40ft High Cube Container (40HQ): Max capacity 76 CBM (Fits approx. 65–68 CBM of actual cargo) / Ideal for light, bulky cargo.

02. Special & Project Cargo

  • Open-Top & Flat-Rack: For heavy machinery, oversized vehicles, and out-of-gauge industrial equipment.
  • Reefer Containers: Temperature-controlled shipping for food, cosmetics, and sensitive goods.
  • Breakbulk & Heavy Lift: Full logistics management for industrial plants and factory equipment arriving at Umm Qasr.

Sea Freight Transit Times to Iraq

Transit times for ocean freight vary based on global shipping routes, carrier schedules, and current maritime conditions. At Masar Logistics, we continuously monitor global routes to secure the fastest and most stable voyages to Umm Qasr Port.

Our Main Shipping Routes:

  • Asia & China Hubs: Direct lines or fast transshipment routes via regional hubs to ensure steady arrivals.
  • Turkey & Mediterranean: Direct coastal and feeder services from Istanbul and Mersin.
  • UAE & GCC Countries: Short-sea shipping and frequent weekly departures for maximum flexibility.
  • Europe & Worldwide: Integrated Ocean freight networks linking major global ports to Basra.
Get Live Transit Updates: Because global shipping schedules and port conditions change frequently, contact our team today for the most accurate, up-to-date transit times for your specific shipment.

Get a Transparent Sea Freight Quote

Ocean freight rates change constantly based on global markets. At Masar Logistics, we don’t use outdated estimates—we give you a clear and real price calculated exactly for your cargo.
Key factors we use to calculate your rate:
Shipping Terms (Incoterms):
Your agreement with the supplier (e.g., EXW, FOB, CIF) so we know exactly where to collect your cargo.
Your Cargo Size:
Whether you need a full private container (FCL) or shared space (LCL) per CBM.
Cargo Details:
Your product type, HS Code, and any special requirements for shipping, loading, or storage.
The Route:
Your origin country worldwide and your final delivery city in Iraq.
Total Journey Costs:
Combining sea freight, Umm Qasr customs clearance, and inland trucking with zero hidden fees.

Ready to ship? Contact our team today with your cargo details, and we will provide a clear, competitive quote straight to your door.

Costs & Documents Checklist for Iraq

01. Additional Costs to Plan For
Sea freight is only part of your budget. Always account for:
  • Port Handling (THC): Charges at origin and Umm Qasr port.
  • Customs Duties: 5% to 30% duty + 5% Reconstruction Levy (based on CIF value).
  • Port Fees: Customs declaration, documentation, and demurrage (if delayed).
  • Inland Trucking: Transporting the container from Umm Qasr to your city.
The biggest mistake Iraqi importers make is looking only at the sea freight rate and ignoring the total landed cost. At Masar Logistics, we provide a complete, all-inclusive quote so you know your real costs and protect your business profits before you ship.
2. Required Shipping Documents
We check your paperwork before arrival to avoid delays. You will need:
  • Bill of Lading (BL): Original or Telex release.
  • Commercial Invoice & Packing List: Must include HS Codes and descriptions.
  • Certificate of Origin (COO): Mandatory for commercial cargo.
  • Product Certificates: COC (for electronics), Phytosanitary (for food), or Test Reports for technical goods.
  • Import License: Required for regulated or restricted product categories.
Masar Logistics reviews all your documents before the vessel arrives at Umm Qasr. We find and fix any issues in advance, ensuring your container is released quickly and prevents costly delays or extra fees at the port.
Baghdad International Airport

BGW — Main gateway for all Iraq import & export cargo

Development & Transport

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How long does sea freight from China to Iraq take?

Port-to-port from China to Umm Qasr takes 25–35 days. Fast routes via Jebel Ali can reduce this to 20–28 days. Including customs and inland trucking, the total door-to-door transit time is typically 30–42 days.

How much does a 20ft container from China to Iraq cost?

Ocean freight for a 20ft container currently ranges from $2,000 to $3,500 USD, depending on the season and shipping line. This excludes customs duties and local port fees. Contact us for a full landed cost quote tailored to your cargo.

What is LCL sea freight and is it right for my business?

LCL (Less than Container Load) means you share a container and only pay for the space you use per cubic meter. It is the perfect, cost-effective solution for retailers and importers shipping between 1 and 15 CBM without needing a full container.

What is the 5% Reconstruction Levy in Iraq?

This is a mandatory Iraqi government charge on all imports, calculated at 5% of the total CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight). It is separate from customs duty. We include this in our quotes so your landed costs are transparent and predictable.

Can you handle sea freight for furniture and large items from China?

Yes. We regularly import furniture, from sofas to kitchen cabinets, via full containers or LCL. Our team manages the shipping, customs clearance at Umm Qasr, and final delivery to your warehouse or showroom in Iraq.

Do you handle customs clearance at Umm Qasr?

Yes. Our licensed brokers are permanently stationed at Umm Qasr Port. We manage the entire declaration process, including HS code classification, duty payments, reconstruction levies, and COC compliance for a smooth release.

Can I use your address in China to import by sea to Iraq?

Absolutely. Ship to our China warehouse, and we’ll inspect, consolidate, and load the container for you. You receive one all-inclusive quote from Masar Logistics covering the journey from our warehouse straight to your door in Iraq.

Can you arrange road freight after the container arrives at Umm Qasr?

Yes. Inland trucking is a core part of our door-to-door service. Once cleared at Umm Qasr, we coordinate with verified partners to deliver your cargo to Baghdad, Erbil, Basra, or any other region across Iraq.

Ready to Ship Smarter and More Efficiently by Sea?

Get cost-effective, reliable sea freight solutions backed by strong global networks, expert handling, and seamless end-to-end coordination.