Qatar’s maritime sector experienced significant growth in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, with an increase in vessel calls and a surge in the movement of RORO vehicles, livestock, and building materials across the country’s key ports—Mesaieed, Doha, and Al Ruwais. The official data highlights a robust performance in the non-hydrocarbon sector, reinforcing the nation’s economic diversification goals.
According to figures from Mwani Qatar, a total of 726 ships arrived at the three ports between January and March 2025, marking a 12.21% increase year-on-year. In March alone, 247 vessel calls were recorded, reflecting a rise of 6.47% from the previous year and 8.81% from the previous month. Hamad Port, Qatar’s main seaport located in Umm Al Houl, welcomed 120 vessels (excluding military) in March.
RORO Traffic Soars The ports handled 30,811 RORO vehicles during Q1 2025, a remarkable 60.47% surge compared to the same period last year. In March alone, 10,371 RORO units were recorded, showing an increase of 73.69% year-on-year and 36.48% month-on-month. Hamad Port contributed significantly, handling 10,298 units in March, reflecting the rising demand in Qatar’s automobile sector, particularly in heavy equipment, private motorcycles, and private vehicles.
Building Materials and Livestock Movement Building materials traffic through the ports reached 159,718 tonnes in Q1 2025, an 11.78% increase from last year. In March, the ports handled 88,131 tonnes, a substantial 68.7% jump year-on-year and 118.1% growth month-on-month, demonstrating strong infrastructure and construction activity.
The livestock sector also witnessed growth, with the three ports handling 230,625 livestock heads in Q1, reflecting a 4.3% annual increase. In March, 97,625 livestock heads were processed, although this represented a 17.66% decline from the previous year. However, it showed a strong 31.57% rise compared to February. Hamad Port alone processed 8,000 livestock heads during this period.
Container and Cargo Trends The container movement through the ports stood at 336,889 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in Q1, a slight 4.17% decline year-on-year. In March, 99,410 TEUs were handled, reflecting a 27.36% annual decrease and a 12.17% decline from February. Despite this, Hamad Port welcomed CMA CGM Iron, the first dual-fuel methanol container vessel to visit Qatar, highlighting the port’s commitment to sustainability.
General and bulk cargo through the ports reached 322,206 freight tonnes in Q1, down 12.29% from the previous year. In March, 70,392 freight tonnes were processed, representing a steep 49.39% year-on-year drop and a 35.65% monthly decline. Hamad Port’s multi-use terminal handled 30,116 tonnes of breakbulk and 7,000 tonnes of bulk cargo during the month.
Strategic Growth and Economic Diversification The container and cargo trends reflect the positive outlook for Qatar’s non-oil private sector. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, Mwani Qatar continues to implement its strategic initiatives to enhance the maritime sector’s contribution to the national economy. By strengthening Qatar’s position as a regional trade hub, the sector is expected to play a crucial role in supporting economic diversification and sustainability.
