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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. 

Capt Abdulla Mohamed al-Khanji, chief executive officer of Mwani Qatar, has been chosen as the “Personality of the Year” at the annual The Maritime Standard (TMS) Awards 2025 ceremony, held at Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai.The award recognises outstanding individuals who have made remarkable contributions to advancing the maritime industry and enhancing its overall performance and efficiency.With more than 22 years of experience in the maritime industry, Captain al-Khanji has held numerous leadership positions that have significantly contributed to enhancing Qatar’s global standing in maritime transport and trade.This recognition comes as part of the TMS' mission to celebrate outstanding leaders who have driven progress in maritime infrastructure, logistics services, and port competitiveness across the region. It highlights the widespread appreciation of Mwani Qatar’s efforts to promote innovation and deliver world-class services in the ports and maritime transport sectors.Held annually in the presence of senior executives and industry leaders from around the world, TMS awards have become one of the most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence and innovation across the shipping, ports, and maritime industries, particularly in the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Categories include shipping company of the year, terminal operator of the year, and woman in shipping award.

QTerminals is working towards sustainability for all its future acquisitions, as it aims to broaden the footprint in the strategic global markets, while it expects to achieve a 45.7% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and 25% in Scope 3 emissions by 2030.The terminal operating entity jointly established by Mwani Qatar (51%) and Milaha (49%) will focus on enhancing its services to meet the diverse needs of global shipping lines and logistics partners. These, along with other strategic priorities, were discussed in its recently released Sustainability Report 2024."With a strong foundation in the Middle East and Europe, QTerminals aims to broaden its footprint in strategic global markets," the updated report said.Building on its existing assets, the company would continue to explore growth opportunities that align with its operational strengths, financial capacity and commitment to sustainable practices, it said."QTerminals is working towards sustainability for all future acquisitions, ensuring that new assets adhere to the company ESG (environment, social and governance) values," the report said.The company had embarked on an international expansion with acquisitions that positioned QTerminals in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, enhancing its connectivity and service range. These milestones underscore its dedication to expanding its footprint, supporting Qatar's economic diversification and strengthening global trade connections, it said.QTerminals had acquired Turkiye's Antalya Port in 2020, which gained it strategic entry point into Eastern Mediterranean, positioning it as a critical hub for trade among Asia, Europe and the Middle East.In 2021, it had taken over Ukraine's Olvia Port, which is strategically positioned with access to the Black Sea via the Bug-Dnieper Liman Canal. Two years later, QTerminals acquired Netherlands-based Kramer Rotterdam, which allows it to access an extensive European market.Stressing that sustainability standards are applied across newly acquired assets to align operations with its ESG values; it said the acquisition of Kramer is a leader in the use of green technologies, including green fuels and energy-efficient cranes, which significantly reduce its carbon footprint.By integrating these sustainable practices, QTerminals sets new benchmarks for environmental stewardship across our global operations, the sustainability report said."Looking to the future, we recognise that addressing the impact of climate change and fostering a fair and inclusive workplace requires collective efforts...Guided by a vision to make a positive impact beyond our port boundaries, we aims to ensure that our growth contributes to a more resilient and sustainable world," Marco Neelsen, Group chief executive officer, QTerminals, said in the report.As QTerminals continue to grow, the report said it will leverage its operational excellence, financial resilience and industry expertise to adapt to changing market dynamics."Through a balanced approach to expansion and sustainability, QTerminals aims to reinforce its reputation as a forward thinking port operator that contributes positively to the global supply chain and support Qatar's vision of a diversified and sustainable economy," it said.On environmental dimension, QTerminals is significantly reducing its carbon footprint, setting a target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which aligns with Qatar's National Environment and Climate Change Strategy.By promoting energy-efficient infrastructure, electrified machinery and renewable energy investments, QTerminals actively contributes to Qatar's transition to a low-carbon economy and upholds the nation’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, the report said."Climate change is going to play an important role in the way we do business in the next few years to come," Japhet Lazarus Simon, Sustainability Director, QTerminals, said in the report.

QTerminals has introduced hold cleaning services at Hamad Port for the vessels, a move that ensures faster turnaround time and higher operational efficiency.In this regard, QTerminals, a terminal operating company jointly established by Mwani Qatar (51% shareholding) and Milaha (49% shareholding), has signed an agreement with GAC in Qatar, a shipping and logistics service provider, for the professional hold cleaning services at the Hamad Port.This partnership enhances QTerminals’ services delivery, enabling vessel operators to benefit from improved readiness, faster turnaround times and higher operational efficiency.The signing ceremony at QTerminals’ head office in Doha was attended by Charles Meaby, managing director of Hamad Port; and Jacob Rubensson, GAC’s general manager in Qatar, as well as senior officials including Hussain Ahmad al-Maqeef, executive VP Commercial – Commercial Affairs Sector at Mwani Port Authority, and Abdulhadi Fahad A M al-Hajri, Business Development and Commercial Director at Hamad Port.Through this partnership, GAC’s expert team will clean the holds of dry bulk vessels after discharging a wide range of bulk commodities such as coal, pet coke, alumina, and cement to meet international standards.The service is designed for time-critical scenarios, ensuring vessels are promptly ready for their next cargo. This quick turnaround helps owners and operators meet load port schedules within the laycan period, reducing delays and saving costs.The introduction of this new service reinforces Hamad Port’s position as one of the region’s premier gateways and is expected to attract more vessels to Qatar and boost customer satisfaction.It also reflects QTerminals’ commitment to continuously expanding value-added services and supporting Qatar’s vision to become a leading maritime and logistics hub within the Gulf Cooperation Council.