By Sidi Mohamed | The Peninsula

DOHA: The Ministry of Transport and Communications yesterday celebrated the handling of over two million TEU (containers) and five million tonnes of cargo at Hamad Port until the end of October 2018.

The event was attended by Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim bin Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti, and Chairman of QTerminals. The event was held at Four Seasons Hotel.

This remarkable feat was achieved in record time with operations at Hamad Port since its launch in less than two years. A number of stakeholders and representatives from shipping lines, freight forwarders, and the wider maritime industry attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, H E Jassim bin Saif said: “This achievement would not have been possible without the vision of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and the unwavering support of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.”

“This important achievement is a clear indication of the status which Hamad Port has gained in such a short time. Its great success lies in having diversified and expanded its business base,” the Minister said, adding, “the port is playing a significant role in meeting the needs of local markets as well as servicing the country’s major projects.

“We will continue to work towards further achievements and support the country’s economic growth with full commitment to providing fast and efficient services to our valued customers,” the Minister noted.

Also at the event, Neville Bisset, CEO of QTerminals said; “Our mission wasn’t an easy one, but thanks to the guidance of the esteemed leadership, our experienced and talented team was able to deliver the highest standards of service quality in port operations through both innovation and partnership, which enabled us to handle more than two million TEU to the end of October 2018.

“For many observers,” he continued, “2018 has been a transformative year for the port management and operations industry. Changing economic trends, shifting trade patterns, and worldwide demographic movements are influencing the supply chain, and QTerminals is ensuring that Hamad Port is fully prepared to handle any supply chain changes. Our objective is to optimise capacity and maintain the highest service levels, thereby driving the expansion and diversification of trading partners for the benefit of Qatar’s economy and trade.”

Hamad Port has significant scope for growth and innovation, and QTerminals, as the operator of Phase 1 of Hamad Port, is in a unique position to enable stronger maritime trade and to stimulate economic growth locally, regionally, and internationally.

As part of its strategic vision, port management company Mwani Qatar is working to achieve a set of goals that are in line with Qatar’s Vision 2030. The main objective is to transform Qatar into a vibrant regional hub by making Qatari ports the preferred choice for port users with an emphasis on innovation, ensuring global operating efficiencies and developing high-quality customer service.

Mwani strives to apply best practices and international standards adopted in major international ports to stimulate trade and support investment and economic diversification. This, in turn, enhances the position of Hamad Port, and ensures the local market’s stability and eliminates the use of intermediate ports.

QTerminals is a terminal operating company jointly established by Mwani Qatar (51 percent shareholding) and Qatar Navigation (Milaha – 49 percent shareholding) and is responsible for enabling Qatar’s imports and exports, its maritime trade flows and stimulating economic growth locally and regionally.