Qatar’s maritime sector, despite being hit by the ongoing Iran war, witnessed positive momentum in bulk cargoes in January-March 2026, according to official statistics. Data shows that bulk cargo handled at the country’s three main ports — Hamad, Doha and Al Ruwais — reached 200,464 freight tonnes in the first quarter, marking a 25.51% increase compared to the same period last year.
Monthly figures highlight volatility within the quarter. Bulk cargo stood at 44,675 tonnes in January, surged to 115,126 tonnes in February, and then declined to 40,663 tonnes in March. Industry sources said such cargoes often remain resilient during disruptions because they are tied to essential demand. “Bulk cargoes defy declining trends because they are driven by a different set of fundamentals than containerised trade,” a shipping industry source said, while cautioning that prolonged instability could reverse the trend.
In contrast, container traffic declined. The three ports handled 291,147 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the quarter, a 13.58% drop year-on-year. Monthly volumes fell sharply in March, reflecting disruptions linked to regional tensions. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route, has remained volatile since the conflict began on February 28, affecting vessel movement and logistics planning.
Ship arrivals also dropped significantly. A total of 552 vessels called at Qatar’s ports in the first quarter, down 23.97% from a year earlier. Arrivals decreased notably in March, indicating the growing impact of uncertainty in maritime routes.
General cargo volumes followed a similar downward trend, falling 26.35% to 237,309 tonnes during the quarter. While February recorded higher activity, March saw a sharp decline, mirroring broader disruptions across global shipping. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) traffic also contracted by nearly 20%, with 24,652 units handled, while livestock shipments dropped steeply on an annual basis.
Despite these declines, officials say the performance of bulk cargo and underlying demand in industrial and commodity sectors point to continued resilience in Qatar’s non-oil economy. Hamad Port, with its strategic location, remains central to regional trade flows, linking Gulf markets including Kuwait, Iraq and Oman. Its multi-use terminal continues to support supply chains for vehicles, grains and livestock.
The latest figures underline both the challenges and opportunities facing Qatar’s maritime sector. While geopolitical tensions have disrupted shipping patterns and reduced container volumes, the growth in bulk cargo suggests steady demand in essential sectors.
Authorities say efforts are continuing to strengthen port infrastructure and enhance efficiency as part of Qatar National Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and position the country as a regional trade hub. The coming months are expected to test the sector further, as uncertainty in key shipping routes continues to shape global trade flows.
