Doha, September 24 (QNA) - Qatar's ports play a pivotal role in strengthening the country's position on the global trade map, serving as the main maritime gateway for the entry and exit of goods and commodities.

Under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, these ports have witnessed strategic development, making them among the most advanced port networks in the region, thanks to their modern infrastructure and integration with the country's free zones and logistics.

These ports serve as an effective link between markets in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and America, contributing to reducing cargo transit time and improving the efficiency of supply chains. Qatar's ports also support the country's plan to diversify the economy by facilitating export and re-export operations, enhancing the ability of local industries to access foreign markets, and promoting maritime tourism.

Hamad Port is Qatar's main gateway to global trade, the country's main and most important port, and the backbone of maritime trade. Officially inaugurated by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in September 2017, it now ranks among the largest and most modern ports in the Gulf and Middle East.

Hamad Port will have a capacity of more than 7.5 million TEUs annually upon completion of all phases. It will handle more than 95 percent of the country's maritime imports, making it a vital hub for importing and exporting all types of goods. It boasts a smart infrastructure that includes, in addition to container terminals, a general and bulk cargo terminal with a capacity of up to 7 million tons annually, a multi-purpose terminal for handling livestock, vehicles, and equipment with a capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually, and other facilities, placing it in a leading position to provide re-export, storage, and distribution services at the regional level.

Hamad Port is also directly connected to a network of 28 international shipping lines, providing direct and indirect shipping services to more than 100 ports worldwide. This strengthens Qatar's position as an international trade transit hub and reduces reliance on intermediate ports, which has played a significant role in supporting the stability of the national supply chain.

Mwani Qatar's efforts go beyond mere transportation and delivery to activating necessary steps to achieve sustainability and adhere to environmental requirements in its operations. In his remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Executive Vice President of Operations at Mwani Qatar, Captain Abdulaziz Nasser Al Yafei said that Mwani Qatar's environmental role has begun to emerge remarkably through the application of environmentally friendly technologies and the expansion of sustainability projects such as the care and resettlement of hundreds of thousands of mangrove trees to protect marine life, preserve the ecosystem, and reduce carbon emissions, making it part of the global sustainable economic system.

Al Yafei added that Hamad Port is the main driver of economic activity related to maritime trade, and goes beyond the needs of the local market to play a pivotal role in stimulating various economic activities, especially industry, warehousing and logistics services, while adhering to the highest environmental and development standards. He pointed out that its proximity to industrial and economic zones contributes to reducing transportation costs and speeding up the movement of goods, which enhances commercial competitiveness.  

In addition to Hamad Port, Al Ruwais Port is located in the north of Qatar. Its estimated area is approximately 1.29 square kilometers and includes eight berths with a length of 1,646 meters, along with a basin with a width of 200 meters and a depth of 7 meters to serve small and medium-sized vessels, as well as exporters and importers from regional countries. It provides services to the northern regions of the country and represents a vital outlet for exporters and importers regionally, particularly in the food, building materials, and general cargo sectors. The port has recently been developed to accommodate a larger number of vessels, which has strengthened its role as an important option for regional trade and supports sustainability in maritime services.

The first and second phases of the redevelopment of the northern commercial port have been completed, while the final technical touches are currently being put in place for the third phase, which includes deepening the navigation channel and port basins from 5 and 7 to 12 meters, in addition to expanding the basin and constructing new docks to accommodate small and medium-sized cargo vessels, and even cruise ships in the future.

The completion of the remaining phase will enhance its position as a strategic gateway to the country's northern regions, support regional trade routes, and relieve pressure on Hamad Port, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, develop logistics infrastructure, and promote maritime sustainability.

The Old Doha Port is a key hub for promoting maritime tourism, receiving giant cruise ships through the terminal and allowing thousands of tourist passengers to enter the country. This contributes to stimulating the tourism sector and increasing foreign spending within the country, a key pillar of diversified economic growth.

During the 2024/2025 cruise season, the port achieved record numbers, receiving 87 cruise ships carrying more than 396,000 visitors, a 5 percent increase in visitor numbers and a 19 percent increase in ship numbers over previous seasons. This reflects its success in strengthening Qatar's position as a leading cruise destination in the region. Efforts continue to expand and develop services, supporting the country's plans to diversify the economy and achieve the tourism and sustainability goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

Hamad Port extends over an area of ​​more than 28 square kilometers and includes three main terminals for containers, general and bulk cargo, a terminal for multi-cargo goods such as livestock and cars, and a food security terminal. This port also houses customs inspection facilities, central laboratories, an information center, and other facilities. This large area enhances operational flexibility and expands future capabilities.

The old Doha Port enjoys a strategic location in the heart of the capital. The port has recently undergone comprehensive development, transforming it into an integrated tourist destination. It includes a modern cruise ship terminal spanning an area of ​​23,347 square meters, 750 meters of quays, and a basin 500 meters wide and 12 meters deep, capable of accommodating two giant ships simultaneously.

Over the past decade, Qatar's ports sector has witnessed radical developments, with a focus on modernizing infrastructure and embracing digital transformation. These developments include the opening of Hamad Port, a qualitative shift in the history of Qatari maritime transport and one of the most advanced ports in terms of technology and automation. The digitization of operations and services via advanced electronic portals through the "Mwanina" platform allows shipping lines and local companies to conduct and complete various transactions quickly and transparently. The port achieved record figures by handling more than 10 million containers in record time. The expansion of Al Ruwais Port, which increased the number of berths and enhanced its capacity to receive small and medium-sized vessels, supporting local trade more efficiently, as well as the operation of the cruise ship terminal at the old Doha Port (the "Terminal"), along with the development of the berths and the deepening and widening of the port channel. (QNA)