Qatar Ports Container Throughput Rises 10% as Vessel Calls Jump 20% in September 2026

Shipping Arabia, October 9, 2026 – Qatar ports container throughput reached 54,086 TEUs in September 2026, marking a 10% increase compared with August, while vessel calls rose 20% to 160. The latest figures released by Mwani Qatar highlight stronger maritime activity across the country’s port network, alongside increased livestock handling and continued cargo operations.

The September performance report covers Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and Old Doha Port – The Terminal. Together, these facilities support Qatar’s maritime trade, domestic supply chains and passenger shipping activities.

The results reflect the importance of the country’s port infrastructure in facilitating international trade and maintaining maritime connectivity. They also provide an indication of monthly developments across different cargo segments.

Qatar Ports Container Throughput and Cargo Performance

According to Mwani Qatar, the country’s ports received 160 vessels during September, representing a 20% increase compared with the previous month. Container throughput also rose by 10%, reaching 54,086 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The increase in vessel calls indicates higher ship traffic during the reporting period. Meanwhile, the growth in container volumes reflects stronger container handling activity compared with August.

Beyond containers, Qatar’s ports handled 40,513 tons of general cargo and 17,178 tons of bulk cargo during September. These figures demonstrate the range of non-containerized commodities moving through the country’s maritime facilities.

RoRo operations accounted for 33 units during the month. Although relatively limited in volume compared with other cargo categories, RoRo handling remains part of the services provided within Qatar’s diversified port system.

Livestock throughput reached 8,239 heads, an increase of 38% compared with August. This represented one of the strongest reported monthly growth rates among the performance indicators released by Mwani Qatar.

The data confirms month-on-month increases in vessel calls, container throughput and livestock handling. However, the report does not provide comparative growth rates for general cargo, bulk cargo or RoRo traffic.

Hamad Port, Ruwais Port and Old Doha Port Support Different Maritime Activities

Qatar’s maritime infrastructure comprises ports with complementary commercial and operational functions. Mwani Qatar manages Hamad Port and Ruwais Port while also supporting the development and operation of Old Doha Port’s maritime facilities.

Hamad Port serves as Qatar’s principal commercial maritime gateway and plays a central role in the country’s containerized trade. Its facilities support container handling, general cargo, bulk commodities, vehicles and other specialized shipments.

The port is an important component of Qatar’s international trade connectivity, providing infrastructure for imports, exports and regional transshipment activities. Its development also forms part of the country’s strategy to strengthen logistics capabilities and support economic diversification.

Ruwais Port, located in northern Qatar, serves as an additional gateway for regional maritime trade. The port handles general cargo, food products and other commodities, supporting commercial activity and supply chains in the northern part of the country.

Its role complements the larger commercial operations at Hamad Port by providing facilities for regional shipments and smaller maritime trade flows. The development of Ruwais Port has also supported Qatar’s efforts to diversify its maritime access points.

Old Doha Port – The Terminal has a different operational focus, supporting cruise shipping and maritime tourism. Its passenger facilities accommodate cruise vessels and provide services for international visitors arriving by sea.

The port contributes to Qatar’s tourism infrastructure and its presence in the Arabian Gulf cruise market. Its role in passenger shipping complements the cargo-oriented activities of Hamad Port and Ruwais Port.

Together, the three ports provide a diversified maritime network serving commercial cargo, regional trade and cruise tourism.

September Performance Highlights Qatar’s Maritime Trade Connectivity

The September 2026 results underline the importance of Qatar’s ports in supporting trade flows and the movement of essential goods.

The 10% monthly increase in container throughput is particularly relevant to the country’s commercial shipping sector. Containers represent a major component of international maritime trade, carrying goods across established liner shipping networks.

The 20% rise in vessel calls also points to increased shipping activity during September. However, the combined figures do not identify how the additional calls were distributed among individual ports or vessel categories.

General cargo and bulk cargo operations remain important components of Qatar’s maritime logistics system. These segments support the movement of commodities and materials that require specialized handling outside conventional container operations.

Meanwhile, the 38% rise in livestock handling highlights the role of port facilities in accommodating agricultural and food-related imports. Livestock transportation requires dedicated handling arrangements within maritime supply chains.

The combination of containers, general cargo, bulk cargo, RoRo units and livestock illustrates the variety of cargo segments served by Qatar’s commercial ports.

Supporting Qatar’s Long-Term Maritime and Logistics Ambitions

Qatar has continued developing its port infrastructure as part of its broader economic and logistics objectives. Hamad Port, in particular, represents a major investment in strengthening the country’s maritime connectivity and international trade capabilities.

The development of commercial ports also aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, which emphasizes economic diversification and the expansion of infrastructure supporting sustainable development.

Within this framework, Hamad Port provides large-scale commercial cargo capacity, while Ruwais Port supports regional trade and northern Qatar’s commercial activities. Old Doha Port contributes through cruise tourism and maritime passenger services.

The September performance figures offer a monthly measure of activity across this network. They show increased vessel traffic, higher container throughput and growth in livestock handling compared with August.

While a single month’s results do not establish a longer-term trend, the reported increases demonstrate stronger activity in several key operational indicators. The figures also reinforce the relevance of Qatar’s diversified port infrastructure to its maritime transport and logistics sectors.

Source: Mwani Qatar