Qatar's Ports Experience A Flurry of Activity From January to August 2023

Hamad Port

Qatar's maritime industry witnessed robust growth across various sectors, including general cargo, livestock, vehicles (RORO), and building materials, at Hamad, Doha, and Al Ruwais ports during the initial eight months of this year, as per official data.

This positive trend in the maritime sector is anticipated to persist, particularly in the non-energy private sector of the country, based on a 12-month optimistic outlook highlighted in the latest Purchasing Managers' Index from the Qatar Financial Centre.

From January to August of this year, the total general cargo handled by the three ports reached 1.3 million tonnes, marking a substantial 27.26% annualized expansion. The highest cargo volume was recorded in March at 297,009 tonnes, while the lowest was in June at 21,688 tonnes.

Hamad Port boasts an intermodal transport network that offers efficient shipping services to over 100 destinations, both domestically and internationally, enhancing transportation and logistics services.

In August of this year alone, Hamad Port, which serves as a critical hub for RORO (vehicles), grains, and livestock supply chains, managed 102,263 freight tonnes (F/T) of bulk cargo and 53,148 F/T of breakbulk cargo.

Over the initial eight months of the year, the three ports collectively handled 318,450 livestock units, reflecting a remarkable 163.58% year-on-year increase. The peak livestock movement occurred in April, with 70,182 units, and the lowest was in July at 5,468 units.

Building materials traffic through the three ports reached 356,014 tonnes during the review period, showing a substantial 9.49% year-on-year growth. In May 2023, these ports handled a substantial 62,456 tonnes of building materials.

Between January and August 2023, the three ports managed 54,081 RORO vehicles, registering a 1.1% annualized increase. April witnessed the highest RORO movements, with 8,025 units.
However, container handling through the three ports during the same period stood at 853,807 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), experiencing an 8.99% year-on-year decline. The highest container volume was recorded in August at 119,936 TEUs, while the lowest was in May at 95,317 TEUs.

The design of the container terminals aims to accommodate the growing trade volume, facilitate business operations, and support the realization of economic diversification, a key objective of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Between January and August 2023, a total of 1,791 ships called on Qatar's three ports, representing a 5.74% decrease compared to the same period in the previous year. Seven out of eight months saw Qatar's ports receive more than 200 ships.

Al Ruwais Port plays a pivotal role in meeting domestic market demands and fostering regional trade exchange.