DOHA: Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani has inaugurated the first edition of 'Seatrade Maritime Qatar' Conference & Exhibition. In attendance were several ministers, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), several senior officials, ambassadors, CEOs from Arab and foreign countries, and decision makers of shipping and maritime services industries.
In his opening speech,the minister said that maritime transportation is the artery of world trade and keeping it sustainable using the power of technology and enhanced international cooperation has become a strategic necessity.
The Ministry of Transport’s hosting of this global event comes amid the continuing growth of Qatar’s maritime transportation industry, he said, adding that 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.
Advanced port infrastructure
The advanced infrastructures and ecofriendly technologies deployed at Hamad Port 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, the minister said.
The MoT’s all-out developments at Doha Port, he said, have laid the foundation for a robust infrastructure in cruise industry in step with highest universal standards to support the plans and revenues of the national tourism sector with giant cruise ship trips.
Al Ruwais Port, he noted, continues its key role in the regional trade exchange after it had seen sustainable improvements, such as having new quays.
National logistics services strategy
“We have 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,” the minister said, as he refers to the pathway to supporting the national development requirements, economic diversification, and ecofriendly economic solutions that contribute to achieving the QNV 2030.
Overseas investments
The State, he said, 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.
Regional & global partnerships
Concluding his remarks, Sheikh Mohammedsaid that the MoT, out of this event, aims at “building up regional and international partnerships that can contribute to enhancing the global position of our national companies that work in all types of business relative to maritime transportation and we will continue to do all the efforts possible to develop that vital industry to develop all sectors, stimulate trade, and facilitate cargo transportation.”
The exhibition
Following the opening ceremony, the minister toured the accompanying exhibition and was briefed on some of the latest maritime transportation innovations and technologies in display. He was accompanied by several ministers, the IMO Secretary General, and senior officials.
Panel discussions
Day One of Seatrade Maritime Qatar features four discussion panels: “Shipping Safely & Sustainably”, “Maritime Energy Transition & the Roel of LNG”, Are Smart, Greener Ports Key to Smarter, More Sustainable Logistics?”, and “Building A Local Talent Pool. How Big Is the Challenge? How Can the Talent Pipeline Be Futureproofed?”.
The list of event sponsors includes Mwani Qatar as a Founding Strategic Partner; Ooredoo as Telecom Sponsor; Qatar Free Zones Authority, Milaha, and QTerminals Group as Main Sponsors; Saudi Ports Authority and Nakilat as Diamond Sponsors, Qatar Invest and ABS as Platinum Sponsors; in addition to DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register (LR), MSC Qatar, MEDLOG, Genesis Marine Services and Sea Horizon as Gold Sponsors; Mowasalat (Karwa) as Silver Sponsor; Middle East Fuji Group as Bronze Sponsor; Visit Qatar as Destination Sponsor; and Qatar Airways as Official Airline of the event.
The two-day inaugural edition of the Seatrade Maritime Qatar Conference and Exhibition will focus 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.
