The ports of Qatar are growing with impressive pace, despite numerous challenges recently created by unprecedented public health challenge of coronavirus pandemic. Hamad Port – Qatar’s gateway to the world – in recent years has become a hub of regional maritime trade while other ports of the country are also growing at a fast speed.
The performance of ports of Qatar reflects country’s maritime vision and in a short span of time they have achieved a distinct place in the international trade. Qatar’s main gateway to world trade ‘Hamad Port’ is not just vital to Qatar’s infrastructure but also drives the region’s development and growth.
According to fresh statistics, during the first six months of 2020, Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and Doha Port have registered 102 percent increase in general cargo handling compared to the same period in last year. During the first six months, 1,509 ships docked at Hamad Port, Doha Port and Ruwais Port, making it a busy period for Qatar’s maritime sector. The ports handled 727,716 tonnes of general cargo in the first six months of this year, compared to 360,644 tonnes in the same period in 2019.
Meanwhile to tackle global coronavirus challenge, Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani Qatar), in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health and relevant authorities, has implemented a series of measures to limit the spread of coronavirus in the ports. These measures include sanitisation of containers, installing thermal cameras, submission of COVID-19 disclosures and educating workforce at the port about ways to limit the spread of the virus.
Not only the Hamad Port has grown tremendously in terms of traffic and trade, Ruwais Port also witnessed over 28 percent increase in export in 2019 compared to the previous year (2018). The port has cemented its position as an ideal gateway to stimulate regional trade.
Ruwais Port has become one of the most important ports to meet the increasing demands by the domestic market for foodstuff, meat and fresh and chilled produce. Supportive steps taken by the authorities concerned have played a key role in increasing the flow of trade from the port. In 2019, Mwani Qatar introduced new free storage period at Al Ruwais Port as a move to support the private sector, offering new incentives to customers as well as enhancing the role of the port.
