Seatrade Maritime Puts Spotlight On Tech Innovations, Logistics Trends

Doha: The first edition of 'Seatrade Maritime Qatar' conference & exhibition was inaugurated by the Minister of transport (MOT) H E sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, yesterday. The conference put spotlight on maritime transportation, logistics trends, innovations and technologies.

Delivering the opening speech, Minister of Transport said, Qatar has invested significantly in developing the infrastructure projects of maritime transportation industry to achieve remarkable boom at all fronts, particularly regarding commercial and tourist ports and the relevant supportive logistic services.

Hosting of this global event comes amid the continuing growth of Qatar's maritime transportation industry. 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, he added.

Speaking about the advanced port infrastructure, Sheikh Mohammed said, 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 38thglobally in 2020.

The Minister added, MOT's all-out developments at Doha Port 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. Meanwhile, Al Ruwais Port continues its key role in the regional trade exchange after it had seen sustainable improvements, such as having new quays.

Regarding National Logistics Services Strategy, Minister of Transport noted,“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.”

Sheikh Mohammed said, the State 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.

“MOT 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. We will continue to do all the efforts possible to develop that vital industry to develop all sectors, stimulate trade, and facilitate cargo transportation,” he added.

The event was attended by several ministers, the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), senior officials, ambassadors, CEOs from Arab and foreign countries, and decision makers of shipping and maritime services industries.

The Minister toured the exhibition and was briefed on some of the latest maritime transportation innovations and technologies in display.

The two-day inaugural event focuses on identifying and addressing the challenges facing the maritime transportation, ports, and logistics industries. Day one of Seatrade Maritime Qatar featured four discussion panels.

IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez; Seatrade Maritime Group Director, Chris Morley; Captain Abdulla Mohammed Al Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority; Fahad bin Saad Al Qahtani, Group CEO of Milaha and Neville Bissett, Group CEO of QTerminals also gave speeches during the event.

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