ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The first Chinese ship from the Strait of Hormuz docked at Iraq’s Umm Qasr port on Monday, the state company for Iraqi ports said, adding that the ship “carries a diverse cargo including materials and equipment for the oil sector and other commercial goods.”

The Marshall Islands-flagged MV KSL XINYANG arrived at Umm Qasr North Port carrying 29,720 tons of cargo, including equipment and materials for Iraq’s oil sector as well as other commercial goods, according to a statement from the transport ministry.

“Receiving the first vessel from China after the resumption of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz confirms the readiness of Iraqi ports to handle various operational changes and reflects the confidence of international shipping companies and lines in the capabilities of our ports and the efficiency of their maritime and logistical services,” General Company for Ports of Iraq Director Farhan al-Fartousi said.

Fartousi said the vessel’s arrival demonstrates the stability of maritime traffic and the continued flow of imports to Iraqi ports despite regional challenges in recent months.

The ministry said the shipment would support commercial activity and import operations through Iraq’s ports.

The vessel’s arrival comes as Iran has repeatedly stressed that it is exercising “full authority” over the Strait of Hormuz, requiring commercial ships and oil tankers to obtain authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy before transiting the strategic waterway.

US President Donald Trump said Friday that the naval blockade on Iranian ports would be lifted as part of efforts to advance a peace agreement. Iranian officials said the US blockade remains in place.

The US military said it had disabled five commercial vessels and diverted 116 others since enforcing the blockade in April.