Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed impressive growth in its maritime transport sector in the first quarter (Q1) of this year. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) completed 544 transactions through Maritime Transport Affairs in Q1, the ministry posted on its X platform recently.
The transactions were related to main services such as issuance and accreditation of certificates of competency for safe manning, naval architect, and marine officer. The main service also includes maritime vessels (ownership transfer, renewal and registration) and foreign vessel engaged in operations in Qatari waters (data modifying and renewal).
The ministry recently launched a new package of digital maritime services related to seafarer affairs as it continues its digital transformation and service automation plans that aim for performance excellence, faster transactions and simpler procedures. The four new e-services which will be available for the public on a test run at MoT’s official website are: Endorsement attesting the recognition of the working on a tanker certificate, Endorsement attesting the recognition of GMDSS certificate, confirmed receipt of application (CRA) certificate, and endorsement attesting the recognition of certificate of competency (CoC).
The maritime transport sector is committed to developing and modernising the sector in line with MoT’s strategic plans aiming at ensuring a safe maritime navigation that meets all safety requirements and obligations, and keeping pace with international maritime developments through creative and effective application of international maritime instruments and observation of emerging trends and latest publications.
The MoT completed 3,753 transactions through Maritime Transport Affairs in the third quarter of last year and completed 4,415 transactions in second quarter. Out of total 4,415 transactions, 4,232 transactions were related to maritime vessels’ main services, maritime licence services and sailor affairs’ main services while only 183 transactions were related to maritime system services.
The maritime transport sector is working on developing the legal framework for maritime activities and enhancing the technical and administrative aspects of inspection, examination, control and investigation related to accidents.
Recently, the MoT organised an inspection and monitoring campaign of marine vessels at Al Wakra Terminal to ensure that maritime means of transport met the safety requirements and the legal requirements of the entities participating in the campaign. The ministry’s maritime transport affairs specialists inspected the maritime security and safety equipment and tools on these vessels to ensure their availability and powers, in addition to ensuring that the vessel captains adhere to safety instructions in accordance with the provisions of applicable laws and decisions.
This campaign comes within the framework of the ministry’s keenness to safeguard lives and property to enhance the safety of maritime navigation in Qatari waters.
Mwani Qatar ports (Hamad, Ruwais and Doha ports) registered strong performance in May this year after witnessing significant growth in handling volumes of cargo compared to the last year.
The general and bulk cargo handling increased significantly in May 2024, recording a surge of 158 percent compared to May last year. RORO units, live stock and vessels also increased by 71 percent, 19 percent and 7 percent respectively. The ports handled 351,564 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) containers in the first quarter (January to March) of 2024, registering a growth of 4 percent, compared to the same period last year. The ports also recorded rise of 46 percent in livestock, 4 percent in RORO units, and 6 percent in building materials in Q1.
