Staff Writer
Qatar has made large investments in the transportation sector, which has given them a leadership position in the world’s maritime industry. According to a recent tweet from the ministry, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) executed 4,729 transactions through Maritime Transport Affairs in the second quarter (Q2) of this year.
The transactions concerned primary services such the certification and issue of competency certifications for safe manning, naval architects, and marine officers. Additionally, nautical vessels (ownership transfer, renewal, and registration); and foreign vessels operating in Qatari waters (data updating and renewal) are included in the main service.
The maritime transport industry is dedicated to growing and modernizing the industry in accordance with MoT’s strategic plans, which aim to ensure safe maritime navigation that complies with all safety obligations and requirements, as well as keeping up with international maritime developments through innovative and effective application of international maritime instruments and observation of new trends and publications.
Through Maritime Transport Affairs, MoT performed 4,415 transactions in the second quarter of 2016. Out of a total of 4,415 transactions, 4,232 were related to the primary services for maritime vessels, maritime licenses, and sailor affairs, while only 183 were related to the primary services for maritime systems.
The maritime transport industry is aiming to improve the technical and administrative components of inspection, examination, control, and accident investigation as well as the legislative framework for maritime activities.
The maritime transport sector maintains a close relationship with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and conducts ongoing reviews of national legislation to ensure compliance with pertinent international legislation in Qatar’s best interests. This work is done as part of the ministry’s efforts to achieve the strategic goals of Qatar’s National Vision 2030.
The Marine Transport Planning and Licensing creates the general planning policy for maritime transport processes in addition to enforcing the provisions of the laws and regulations governing maritime transport affairs.
In collaboration with the appropriate authorities, it carries out the necessary studies to plan the expansion of maritime transportation networks. It also carries out the necessary studies to establish licensing requirements.
Additionally, it approves sailor licenses and provides and renews certificates of competency, marine licenses, and other documentation for crew members of Qatari vessels. It also examines maritime transport methods for conformity with established specifications in collaboration with relevant authorities.
The three ports of Mwani Qatar (Hamad, Doha, and Ruwais) handled 95,963 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers in June 2023, while 197 ships made calls to the ports.
In addition, 21,688 tonnes of general and bulk cargo, 7,543 automobiles, 23,723 heads of livestock, and 41,140 tonnes of building materials were delivered to the ports last month.
On the Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) for 2022, Hamad Port, Qatar’s main entry point for international trade, was ranked eighth globally and third in the Arab world.
