The Iraq line was closed by Dubai Ports last month to build Maritime City. The service by Naif Marine Services began in November 1998 connecting Dubai to Umm Qasr Port in Iraq.

It quickly became an international lifeline for thousands of Iraqis faced with a UN embargo and later the US-led attack.

Despite the turbulence in Iraq, the ferry had stopped its operation only once, and that was for two months, during the American-led bombing campaign in 2003.

"Due to the closure of Port Rashid Passenger Terminal, we are forced to stop the Dubai-Iraq passenger ferry.

"Now the only terminal to operate the service from is Jebel Ali Port but we are unable to continue the service from there due to technical difficulties," Suzan Sharif Al Azawi, Deputy General Manager of Naif Marine Service told Khaleej Times.

"If we want to ferry passengers from Dubai, we should get emigration clearance from the Port Rashid immigration office and transport the passengers in a bus to Jebel Ali. In case of any accident, the victims will be those who are technically supposed to have exited the country. This would create problems for us.

"We tried to operate from Jebel Ali Port but it is not economically viable, besides the risk of transporting passengers after emigration clearance. However, we are hopeful of restarting the service in January when the Jebel Ali Port Passenger Terminal opens," Al Azawi said.

Naif Marine Services, based in Dubai, began the ferry service with small vessels but replaced them later with two modern, 130-metre (425-foot) ships with three classes of passenger cabins. The ferry can accommodate 1,100 passengers and 300 cars.

The twice-a-week service used to charge Dh700 per person who can carry 100kg of luggage.

This was the cheapest and most reliable passage for Iraqis to leave their country and return as the flight service was limited due to the war in Iraq.

Nasser Sultan, who arrived in Dubai from Iraq in 2005, said, "The ferry service was a huge help for many Iraqis then. Most people fled the country with all their valuables.

"Finding a flight service was not easy and was not economically viable. The ferry was cheaper and safe."

Hassan Abdullah who used the ferry last year said many Iraqis use the service to visit holy places during religious holidays.

"People used to take electronic items like refrigerators and television sets when they visit their families back home. The closure of the service, though temporary, is a loss for Iraqis," he said.

By Riyasbabu

© Khaleej Times 2008

 

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