Qatar Ports Development
The Ministry of Transport continues its efforts to develop the ports sector, maintain its infrastructure, and broaden the logistics sector within, as well as the best use of existing ports.
The start of partial operations at Hamad Port, which is one of the largest multi-purpose ports in the region, was a major milestone for this mega project that will modernise the way Qatar handles ocean imports and exports and help facilitate the growth and diversification of the country's economy.
As part of the partial operations, Hamad Port opened its general cargo and "roll-on roll-off" facilities and cleared its operations for the delivery of general goods, vehicle imports and construction equipment.
The start of Hamad Port’s partial operations also increased the container capacity at Doha Port.
Hamad Port is an important addition to Qatar Ports and will handle 6mn containers a year once fully operational. It has a general cargo terminal that can handle 1.7mn tonnes of general goods, 1mn tonnes of foodgrains and 500,000 vehicles. It will also have a livestock terminal, a multi-use terminal, an offshore supply base, a coast guard facility, and a port marine unit.
Along with regional transport development plans, Hamad Port will provide transshipment links by rail, sea or road to GCC and other Arabian Gulf states making use of its advanced safety, security system, and dedicated customs inspection area with latest technologies to speed the clearance of goods.
With the establishment of an economic zone adjacent to it, Hamad Port will facilitate manufacturing industries and help the nation to increase its non-oil and gas exports.
Along with the new expressway interchanges, the port will facilitate cost-effective cargo handling and will position Qatar as the new regional shipping hub.
In addition to Hamad Port, the start of the first phase of the port of Ruwais began in January 2015.