1. Hamad Port: Qatar’s Maritime Powerhouse

Location: South of Doha

Hamad Port, Qatar’s main seaport, stands as a testament to the nation’s vision of becoming a regional trade hub. Since its inauguration in 2017, Hamad Port has quickly became well-known as one of the largest ports in the Middle East. Operated by Mwani Qatar, under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport, Hamad Port boasts state-of-the-art facilities and efficient operations.

Key Features of Hamad Port

• Container Terminals: Hamad Port houses three container handling facilities equipped with the latest port equipment, including ship-to-shore cranes and high-tech gantry cranes. These terminals have a collective capacity to handle over 7 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.

• General Cargo Handling Facility: Hamad Port’s general cargo handling facility deals with non-containerized cargo such as machinery, steel, dry bulk, construction equipment, fertilizers, and petroleum goods. With ample storage space and advanced handling capabilities, it can handle around 1.6 million tonnes of cargo.

• Multipurpose Terminal: The multipurpose terminal at Hamad Port is divided into smaller units to handle specific goods, such as grains, livestock, and automobiles. The grain handling facility features automatic loading and unloading conveyor belts that directly transfer grain into silos, eliminating the need for manual labor. The automobile terminal handles shipments of more than 450,000 vehicles annually, while the livestock terminal ensures proper separation and handling of different kinds of livestock.

Achievements and Recognition

Hamad Port has garnered international recognition for its exceptional performance. In 2022, it ranked eighth globally and third in the Arab region on the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI), issued by the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence. This index measures the efficiency of ports based on vessel time in port, reflecting Hamad Port’s high-quality operations.

2. Doha Port: A Legacy Transformed

Location: Doha

Doha Port, the former main seaport of Qatar, has been replaced by the more advanced Hamad Port. However, it still plays a significant role in the nation’s maritime trade industry. Managed by Mwani Qatar, Doha Port continues to handle specific imports of livestock, vehicles, grains, and cereals.

3. Al Ruwais Port: Connecting Northern Qatar

Location: Northern Qatar

Al Ruwais Port, situated on the northern end of Qatar, has revitalized the economy of the region by increasing and diversifying cargo shipments. In addition to conventional cargoes, Al Ruwais Port serves as an efficient maritime gateway for the delivery of fresh and refrigerated food from neighboring countries. The port has witnessed substantial infrastructural development, including the expansion of wharves to accommodate small and medium-sized vessels, further enhancing trade ties with nearby nations.

4. Mesaieed Port: Qatar’s Industrial Hub

Location: Eastern coast of Qatar, south of Doha

Mesaieed Port, also known as Umm Said Port, is strategically located in Qatar’s industrial region. As one of the most important ports in the country, it handles a diverse range of goods, including crude oil, refined products, petrochemicals, grains, livestock, and more. Mesaieed Port’s operational berths cater to specific cargoes, ensuring efficient handling and storage.

5. Ras Laffan Port: LNG Exporting Giant

Location: Northeast coast of Qatar

Ras Laffan Port holds the distinction of being the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporting facility. With its deepwater port and extensive infrastructure, Ras Laffan Port serves as a crucial link in the global LNG supply chain. It accommodates the largest carrier ships, making it a strategic hub for transporting hydrocarbon goods to major destinations worldwide.

6. Al-Rayyan Marine Oil Terminal: Offshore Oil Operations

Location: Southern portion of the Persian Gulf

Al-Rayyan Marine Oil Terminal, located in the southern portion of the Persian Gulf, serves as an export terminal for Qatar Marine Crude oil. This terminal includes a storage tanker and single-point moorings for export tankers. With its strategic position and efficient operations, it facilitates the smooth transportation of crude oil to international markets.

7. Al-Shaheen Oil Terminal: A Rich Offshore Resource

Location: Off the northeast coastline of Qatar

Al-Shaheen Oil Terminal is situated near the Shaheen oil field, Qatar’s largest offshore oil field. This terminal, operated by the North Oil Company, handles a substantial portion of Qatar’s oil production. With its numerous platforms and wells, Al-Shaheen Oil Terminal plays a vital role in ensuring the export of millions of barrels of oil annually.

8. Halul Island: Serving Qatar’s Oil Field

Location: Northeast of Doha

Halul Island, located northeast of Doha, serves as an export terminal for Qatar Marine Crude oil sourced from the northern oil fields. This terminal, operated by Qatar Petroleum, handles the transportation of oil through single-buoy moorings. Halul Island’s strategic position and specialized facilities support Qatar’s oil industry and contribute to its global oil exports.

The major ports of Qatar, including Hamad Port, Doha Port, Al Ruwais Port, Mesaieed Port, Ras Laffan Port, Al-Rayyan Marine Oil Terminal, Al-Shaheen Oil Terminal, and Halul Island, form the backbone of Qatar’s maritime trade industry. These ports, with their advanced infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and efficient operations, have propelled Qatar’s economic growth and diversification efforts. By strategically positioning itself as a global trade hub, Qatar continues to strengthen its presence in the international market, attracting foreign investments and expanding its trade ties with the rest of the world.