HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani paid an inspection visit to Hamad Port yesterday.
Accompanied by HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani and HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, the Emir visited the containers’ station, the primary operations station, Umm Al Houl Economic Zone’s channel (merchants channel), the port’s basin, and the pier.
The Emir was given a briefing on the progress of the work at the project and future plans for developing the port and expanding its capacity.
The Emir witnessed the process of partial operation of the port and the movement of commercial vessels, and watched a documentary about the project featruing its strategic location, public commodity stations, vehicles, vessels of Coast Guard and maritime support, and the customs inspection and storage area.
The documentary also touched on the port’s facilities and equipment that make it a comprehensive logistic zone and regional cargo centre, in addition to the modern security and safety measures at the site.
Earlier this month Hamad Port simultaneously received three giant cargo ships, which were berthed smoothly.
While two of these ships, each 200m long, were roll-on/roll-off vessels, carrying cargoes of vehicles and heavy equipment, the other, 170m long, carried livestock.
“Such operation affirms the readiness of the port and the capabilities of its unique and sophisticated infrastructure. Besides, it is equipped with the best sophisticated systems and machinery, qualifying it to receive more major and giant ships,” a statement issued on the occasion explained.
The early operation of Hamad Port started on December 24, 2015. Since then, the port has seen intensive activities, paving the way for the gradual shift of the current Doha Port operations to it.
The new port will provide transshipment links by rail, sea or road to GCC and other Arabian Gulf states. It will have an advanced safety and security system, and a dedicated customs inspection area with latest technologies to speed the clearance of goods.
The establishment of an economic zone adjacent to the new port will facilitate manufacturing industries and help the nation to increase its non-oil and gas exports.