The transportation sector is a strong factor in terms of economic and regional development. It also plays a major role in national integration to the world economic market. Sea transport, the cheapest available mode of transport, is a major catalyst for the economic development of a country. A sea port is not only the gateway to a country, but also the mainstay of industrial and agricultural development and most importantly food security, if the country is dependent on importing most of its foodstuff.
The opening of the Hamad Port on September 5, 2017 was a great leap for Qatar’s growth and prosperity as the country relies on imports for most of its day to day requirements of supplies. Since the opening, the port has proved its efficiency consistently by the way it handles visiting vessels with the most modern technology at the state-of-the-art facility. There has been a steady increase in the number of ships calling at the $7.4bn port.
A report said that the port has has received a total of 182 vessels in January, which was the highest number of ships handled in a month since the start of operations. The traffic at the port has increased significantly since the blockade was announced on June 5 last year. While just 99 vessels called at the port in June, the numbers rose to more than 180 last month showing an impressive rise of 84 percent.
The port has also maintained a consistent rise in vessels traffic, which allowed uninterrupted supply of goods for the residents. Goods ranging from foods to raw materials for construction projects continue to enter the country through the sea route. The port is capable of handling 5,000 vessels per year and has a general cargo terminal that can handle 1.7 million tonnes of general goods per year.
Being the largest port in the region with nearly six months into operation, the facility has already become a centrepiece of regional transport and a bulwark for Qatar’s economic growth and food security.
With the opening of the flagship port, imports to the country has become much easier, cheaper and timely. It has liberated the country from dependence on UAE ports for imports and exports as well. The country can now reach out to the international markets on its own.
With the huge logistic facility and the opening of economic zones, Qatar is fast emerging as a major trans-shipment hub. The leadership of the country deserves plaudits for their vision and the efforts to make it materialise in a timely manner.
