This week marked a significant milestone in the revitalization and diversification of Qatar’s economy with the announcement that Hamad Port became fully operational on December 1. Hamad port will now formally handle commercial shipments entering and leaving the country and Doha Port will begin winding down its operations. This, in turn, may give some much-needed relief to traffic congestion in Qatar’s capital.
Prior to the opening of Hamad Port, many larger cargo ships delivered cargo to UAE ports to transfer their cargo to smaller ships before entering Qatar.
Hamad Port covers a size of around 20km-squared and will be able to handle a capacity of six million cargo ships annually. The immense size of the port will further grow Qatar’s economy and allow more cargo to seamlessly enter and exit the nation. Hamad Port will be a boon to Qatar’s thriving construction sector because its size and facilities will be an easier method to import the raw materials into Qatar that form the backbone of the nation’s ongoing infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the port intends to function as a multi-use destination that not only handles raw materials intended for construction use, but also livestock, food grains, automobiles and more. Hamad Port’s general cargo terminal is expected to manage 1.7 million tons of general goods, one million tons of food grains and half a million vehicles a year.
Hamad Port is expected to be fully up and running by 2020, which would put it 10 years ahead of schedule. This port will truly modernize the way Qatar handles ocean imports and exports, and enhance their maritime influence around the world.
Hamad Port further demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to growing its economy and ensuring that innovation and economic prosperity remain a vital part of the nation’s growth. Due to Hamad Port new industries now will have easier access to the opportunities Qatar provides and a streamlined route to ship their goods around the world.
