Qatar’s ports, led by Hamad, Ruwais, and Doha, demonstrated remarkable growth in December 2024. This reflects the nation’s commitment to becoming a global trade hub and advancing its economic diversification strategy under the Qatar National Vision 2030. These ports handled significantly higher container volumes, roll-on/roll-off (RORO) units, livestock, and vessels compared to December 2023, showcasing their critical role in the country’s logistics infrastructure. As Qatar’s main gateway to global trade, Hamad Port is at the forefront of this transformation. It continues to strengthen its position as a leading port in the Middle East, driving the nation’s logistics efficiency and bolstering its economic diversification strategy. QTerminals highlighted its growing expertise in handling specialised cargo, noting that RORO units achieved record levels in December 2024, with 16,681 units processed. Additionally, the port’s annual handling of over 232,000 metric tonnes of barley underscores its critical role in ensuring Qatar’s food security. Figures provided by Mwani Qatar showed that ports have marked a 17 percent increase in December compared to the previous month. Key performance indicators include a 13% rise in container handling, a doubling of RORO units, and an 80% increase in livestock. The ports’ annual performance underscores their pivotal role in supporting Qatar’s economic ambitions. In 2024, a record 2,542 vessels docked at Hamad, Ruwais, and Doha ports. They collectively handled 1,528,874 tonnes of general cargo, 127,947 RORO units, 1,334,057 TEUs of containers, 499,376 heads of livestock, and 278,742 tonnes of building materials. These achievements reflect Qatar’s investment in state-of-the-art port infrastructure and its alignment with international maritime standards. Environmental sustainability remains a key focus for Qatar’s maritime sector. Hamad Port has implemented advanced measures to monitor and protect the environment, including fixed and mobile systems for assessing air quality, noise, groundwater, water quality, and the marine ecosystem. These initiatives align with the Ministry of Transport’s strategic goals of safe and sustainable maritime operations that comply with international standards and emerging trends. With its advanced infrastructure and expanding global connectivity, Qatar’s ports are pivotal in facilitating the smooth flow of goods and enhancing transshipment capabilities. By ensuring efficient and secure handling of cargo, these ports save time and costs for domestic and international clients, creating a more favourable business environment. This, in turn, fosters growth opportunities and solidifies Qatar’s standing in global trade. As Qatar continues to diversify its economy away from hydrocarbon dependence, its investments in modernizing and expanding port infrastructure are proving instrumental. The strong performance of Hamad, Ruwais, and Doha ports in 2024 underscores their integral role in realizing the country’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub and a sustainable, diversified economy.
