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Business / Qatar Business

Strong annual growth reinforces Hamad Port’s role as regional hub

Published: 26 Apr 2026 - 08:16 am | Last Updated: 26 Apr 2026 - 08:17 am
Peninsula

Deepak John | The Peninsula

Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s main gateway to world trade, Hamad Port delivered a strong operational performance marked by growth across key cargo segments and vessel traffic last year. Supported by rising transshipment volumes and expanding global connectivity, the port further consolidated its position as a leading regional hub, while also recording notable increases in livestock, general, and bulk cargo handling.

Hamad Port handled approximately 1.44 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), driven by a 3% increase in transshipment volumes, which accounted for nearly 50% of total container throughput, according to Annual Report 2025 by Mwani Qatar released recently.

This performance further strengthened the port’s role as a regional transshipment hub, supported by its strategic geographic location and a maritime network connecting it to more than 100 global destinations.

Beyond container operations, the port recorded exceptional growth exceeding 178% in livestock handling compared to the previous year. General and bulk cargo volumes also increased by 11% year-on-year, reaching 1,576,125 tons. In parallel, the port received 1,686 vessels, representing a 7% increase, reflecting growing confidence among international shipping lines, the report stated.

Mwani Qatar has solidified its position as a fundamental pillar of economic diversification in Qatar and a vital link in the global supply chain. The past year was characterised by a steadfast commitment to operational efficiency, digital innovation, and sustainable growth, in alignment with the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

By achieving record handling rates and increasing Hamad Port’s share of regional trade, Mwani continues to fulfill the Ministry of Transport’s strategic plan to transform Qatar into a vital commercial and logistical hub in the region.

By providing world-class competitive services, it supports the non-oil sector and contributes to turning the Qatar National Vision 2030 into a tangible reality.

Hamad Port achieved a landmark accomplishment in 2025, by ranking first in the Gulf region and 11th globally in the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), issued by the World Bank and S&P Global. This recognition underscores the port’s position as a leading global trade gateway and a key contributor to the national economy.

In the area of innovation, the port continued to enhance its digital ecosystem through the development of the ‘Mawanina’ system and the launch of its mobile application, introducing advanced functionalities that enable customers and partners to manage operations and track shipments efficiently and around the clock. These enhancements contributed to improved logistics efficiency and reduced turnaround times.

Sustainability remained a core strategic priority. The port marked a significant environmental milestone by entering Guinness World Records for implementing the largest mangrove replanting project globally, reaffirming its commitment to integrating operational excellence with environmental stewardship, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.

The report further noted that throughout 2025, the Cruise Terminal (The Terminal) at the Old Doha Port successfully reinforced its leading role in boosting the cruise tourism sector and solidifying the State’s global presence in the travel industry, in line with the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2030.

The Terminal recorded a 19% annual growth in vessel calls, welcoming 87 ships by the end of the season in April 2025, further establishing Qatar as a premier global destination.

With the launch of the new 2025/2026 season in November 2025, operational momentum continued with 72 scheduled cruises, including 40 partial turnaround calls, 15 homeporting (start and end) voyages, and 3 maiden calls to Qatar for the first time.