Qatar Ministry of Transport Issues Directive on Fair Maritime Practices

Transport Ministry warns against unfair surcharges in maritime services

The Ministry of Transport has issued an important directive to all entities licensed for maritime activities, underscoring the need to uphold fairness and transparency in the provision of maritime services.

The Ministry emphasized that all operations must strictly comply with the provisions of Maritime Law No. 15 of 1980, Law No. 4 of 2004 regulating navigational agencies, and Law No. 12 of 2012 governing maritime shipping intermediaries. These frameworks, it noted, form the legal foundation for ensuring safe navigation and protecting consumer rights.

In its statement, the Ministry warned that the current extraordinary circumstances cannot be used as justification for imposing unjustified surcharges or engaging in practices that contravene maritime and consumer protection laws. Any violations, it stressed, would expose offenders to legal accountability.

The directive concluded with a call for collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders to adhere to regulations and contribute to safe navigation and fair services across Qatar’s maritime sector.