Qatar’s maritime sector got another boost with commencement of expansion at Al Ruwais Port. The second phase of expansion of Al Ruwais Port, was announced on Thursday. The expansion includes enhancing 156,000sqm of storage space that will triple its capacity.
The port has come a long way after its expansion began few years ago. Ruwais Port is now able to receive and export about 20,000 containers per year compared to about a 1,000 containers in previous years.
After the launch of its first phase of expansion in January 2015, the port was able to achieve significant steps which have played an important role in meeting the increasing needs of the domestic market. It is playing crucial role in meeting the requirements of different projects being implemented in Al Shamal.
The new expansion will serve the port for next 10 years as infrastructure is being developed at the traditional fishing port, which is being expanded to add 300 berths and is expected to be complete by 2020 with all services needed for fishermen.
The expansion aims to deepen the navigational channel of Al Ruwais Port which helps in receiving vessels with larger cargo.
The second phase of expansion of the port would greatly help in the flow of goods from the ships directly to the storage area. It will also help in facilitating the process loading and storing the goods into an integrated storage area
The port has become a source of pride due to consist rise in the number of vessels calling at the port, increased trade and imports and exports. It has become a vital contributor to the economic development and an important player in Qatar’s economic development.
Development at Al-Ruwais Port began in 2014. A plan was put in place to develop the port in three stages and to develop six berths to receive various types of vessels and commercial goods.
Qatar’s maritime sector is well supported by Hamad Port. Since commencing operations in December 2016, Hamad Port has modernised the way Qatar handles imports and exports and has helped in facilitating the growth and diversification of the country’s economy. It has acquired 28 percent share in the volume of trade in the Middle East.
Within a short period of time, the port has reached a global port connectivity coverage with 40 ports spanning over three continents. The port has seen tremendous growth in a short duration and is further cementing Qatar’s position as a regional maritime hub.
It can be easily said that Hamad and Al Ruwais Port take Qatar’s economic development to new heights.
