Transport minister flags off ‘Seatrade Maritime Qatar’

HE the Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani on Tuesday inaugurated the first edition of “Seatrade Maritime Qatar” Conference and Exhibition. In attendance were several ministers, the secretary-general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and other dignitaries along with experts shipping and maritime services industries.

“Maritime transportation is the artery of world trade and keeping it sustainable using the power of technology and enhanced international co-operation has become a strategic necessity,” HE the minister said.

“The Ministry of Transport’s hosting of this global event comes amid the continuing growth of Qatar’s maritime transportation industry. Qatar has invested significantly into developing the infrastructure projects of that vital industry to achieve remarkable boom at all fronts, particularly regarding commercial and tourist ports and the relevant supportive logistic services.”

The speech highlighted the advanced infrastructures and eco-friendly technologies deployed at Hamad Port. “These have contributed to transforming it into a pivotal regional port for re-exportation, hitting high rankings on the WB’s Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) as it leapfrogged to 11th globally in 2023 from 38th globally in 2020. MoT’s all-out developments at Doha Port have laid the foundation for a robust infrastructure in the cruise industry in step with the highest universal standards to support the plans and revenues of the national tourism sector with giant cruise ship trips,” he said, adding that Al Ruwais Port continues its key role in the regional trade exchange after it had seen sustainable improvements, such as having new quays.

HE the Minister noted that Qatar has put together a national strategy for logistic services industry to support supply chains and competitive advantages in regional and world trade, meet the requirements of economic diversification for logistics services and shipping, and boost Qatar’s profile as a global hub for shipping, transportation and logistics. HE the minister said, Qatar has adopted an approach of overseas investments in commercial ports to improve the competitive capabilities in terms of managing and operating the commercial ports to ultimately achieve sustainable development for the national economy through long-term investments, as the Qatari investment model adopts the principle of permanent partnership.

Neville Bissett, Group CEO of QTerminals said the transformation of ports into sustainable is one of the most pressing topics in the industry. “QTerminals will have experts participating in panel discussions, offering valuable insights on this topic. As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, it is platforms like these that provide a space for innovation, partnership, and the sharing of ideas that will shape the future of our industry,” he noted.

The minister and the other dignitaries toured the accompanying exhibition. Day one of Seatrade Maritime Qatar featured four discussion panels on different topics. The two-day event focuses on identifying and addressing the challenges facing the maritime transportation, ports, and logistics industries. By fostering in-depth discussions around key themes that currently dominate the maritime industry’s priorities, the event aims to spotlight and shape trends that are likely to significantly impact maritime transportation and logistics both in the Middle East and on a global scale.