Qatar’s ports record strong growth in July

By Admin

04 Aug, 2025

Qatar’s maritime sector witnessed a remarkable surge in July 2025, reinforcing its strategic positioning as a regional logistics hub. According to the latest data released by Mwani Qatar, a total of 268 ships docked at Qatar’s three major ports Hamad Port, Doha Port, and Al Ruwais Port marking a 14.04% year-on-year increase and a 15.52% rise compared to June 2025.

Robust Growth Across All Cargo Segments

The ports recorded significant increases across multiple cargo categories, showcasing the strength and resilience of Qatar’s non-hydrocarbon private sector. This maritime growth is directly aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and promote sustainable development.

In July 2025, general and bulk cargo volumes soared to 234,424 tonnes, representing an impressive 77.62% year-on-year increase and a 63.82% month-on-month jump. Hamad Port, which serves as a vital link between Gulf countries like Kuwait and Iraq as well as Oman, played a pivotal role by welcoming 151 vessels during the month excluding military ships.

Livestock and Building Materials See Exceptional Growth

Livestock imports witnessed an astounding surge, with 28,250 heads handled in July, up 39.15% from July 2024 and 85.5% from June 2025. Over the first seven months of 2025, the total reached 379,985 heads, supporting Qatar’s food security and supply chain strategies.

Similarly, building materials throughput skyrocketed to 52,677 tonnes in July, registering a 137.24% year-on-year increase and 104.63% month-on-month growth. From January to July, the ports moved 378,655 tonnes of construction-related cargo, contributing to infrastructure development in the country.

RORO Traffic and Automobile Sector Acceleration

July also saw a robust performance in RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) traffic, with 12,798 units processed across the three ports a 4.78% annual rise and a 29.5% monthly increase. Notably, Hamad Port alone handled 12,699 units, driven by growth in Qatar’s automobile sector. According to the National Planning Council, there has been a steady rise in imports of heavy equipment, passenger vehicles, and private motorcycles, which is reflected in this upward trend.

Container Traffic Shows Temporary Slowdown

Despite the across-the-board growth, container throughput experienced a brief slowdown. The ports handled 116,970 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in July, showing a 20.29% year-on-year decline and a 12.36% drop from June. Industry observers expect this to be a short-term fluctuation, possibly linked to global shipping delays and seasonal adjustments.

Strategic Outlook

Between January and July 2025, the three ports have already handled 1,755 vessels and processed approximately 1.04 million cargo units, highlighting Qatar’s commitment to becoming a premier regional trade hub. The continuous expansion in vessel arrivals and cargo volumes reflects not only operational efficiency but also Qatar's evolving role in regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and economic diversification.

With ongoing investments and a clear roadmap under the guidance of Qatar National Vision 2030, Mwani Qatar is poised to further enhance the maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy.