Persian Gulf conflict halts Qatar’s shipping, ports see sharp decline

Qatar’s maritime trade suffered a sharp decline in March, with container traffic and the number of ships calling at the country’s ports dropping by more than 60% compared to February, amid escalating regional tensions.

Qatar’s port operator Mwani Qatar reported that only 85 vessels entered ports, including Hamad and Ruwais, in March — nearly three times fewer than in February, when 237 ships docked. Container volumes (TEU) fell 63%, from 118,400 to 44,000, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Other cargo types were also affected: general cargo fell 72%, bulk shipments 65%, and vehicles and equipment transported via Ro-Ro vessels dropped 76%. Just a month earlier, Mwani Qatar had reported steady growth, with container traffic up 5% year-on-year and vessel arrivals up 4%.

The downturn comes amid heightened tensions following the start of US and Israeli military operations against Iran and Iran’s retaliatory strikes, which impacted the Arabian monarchies. In response, Qatar has begun rerouting logistics via overland routes through Saudi Arabia and by air. Customs authorities have simplified procedures for suppliers and encouraged transport companies to use the TIR system, cutting border waiting times by up to 90%.

Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director of the Air Cargo Department, said Qatar is increasingly relying on land routes while boosting air shipments of critical goods. According to national carrier Qatar Airways, as of March 12, the airline has been transporting more than 200 tons of essential cargo daily to Doha, including medicines, baby food, and fresh produce. Part of Qatar Airways’ fleet of 30 Boeing 777 freighters has been deployed for these operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva