DOHA, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Milaha, the Qatar-based maritime transport and logistics conglomerate, has announced the launch of a direct feeder service between Qatar and Iraq, Qatar local media reported Thursday.

Qatar's Ministry of Transportation and Communication said in a statement that the Oshairij vessel, affiliated to Milaha, has arrived at Umm Qasr Port in Iraq on May 9, Qatar-based English newspaper Peninsula reported.

The Oshairij is the only vessel to initially serve the new service between Qatar and Iraq, with a 1,015 TEU capacity and 110 reefer plugs, the report said.

The statement also said that the vessel will have a transit time of two days, to make the new services particularly ideal for shipping dry and refrigerated foodstuff, consumer electronics, and construction materials, among other cargo.

"The new service will contribute to the reconstruction efforts in Iraq and will also help boost the growing trade and economic relations between Qatar and Iraq," Milaha's President and CEO Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai said.

Milaha, established in 1957, was the first public shareholding company registered in Qatar. Milaha currently calls ports in Oman, India, Kuwait, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and helps enhance connectivity between Qatar and other countries.