Business
Qatar's ports see higher container and bulk cargo movement year-on-year in January 2026
Qatar's maritime sector began 2026 on a solid note with Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais ports witnessing a year-on-year (y-o-y) growth, particularly in the container and bulk cargo segments this January, according to Mwani Qatar.
As many as 230 ships had called on Qatar's three ports in January 2026, which was lower by 8.73% and 1.77% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.
Hamad Port's strategic geographical location offers opportunities to create cargo movement towards the upper Gulf, supporting countries such as Kuwait and Iraq and south towards Oman.
The container movement through three ports amounted to 128,229 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), shooting up 3.17% and 15.75% year-on-year and month-on-month respectively in the review period.
Hamad Port, the largest eco-friendly project in the region, had in January seen the berthing of container ship MSC REEF, one of the largest vessels in the MSC Cargo fleet, measuring 398.4m in length and 59m in width, with a capacity of 19,224 TEUs.
Its arrival reflects the high operational efficiency of Hamad Port and its readiness to receive the world’s largest container ships.
The container terminals have been designed to address the increasing trade volume, enhancing ease of doing business as well as supporting the achievement of economic diversification, which is one of the most important goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The general cargo handled through three ports amounted to 94,626 freight tonnes in January 2026, which however, shrank 33.56% and 24.36% on yearly and monthly basis respectively. The bulk cargo handled through the three ports amounted to as much 44,675 freight tonnes in January 2026.
Hamad Port's multi-use terminal is designed to serve the supply chains for the RORO, grains and livestock.
The container and cargo trends through the ports reflect the positive outlook for the country's non-oil private sector.
In line with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, Mwani Qatar continues to implement its ambitious strategy to enhance the maritime sector's contribution to diversifying the national economy and strengthening the county's position as a vibrant regional trade hub.
The three ports were seen handling 26,150 livestock in January 2026, which showed 55.53% and 8.67% contraction year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.
The three ports witnessed as many as 10,151 RORO in January 2026, which registered 20.95% and 21.05% shrinkage year-on-year and month-on-month respectively.
Qatar's automobile sector has been witnessing stronger sales, notably in heavy equipment, private motorcycles and private vehicles, according to the data of the National Planning Council.