Maritime Transport Affairs conducts over 500 transactions in first quarter of 2024

Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed impressive growth in its maritime transport sector in the first quarter (Q1) of this year. The Ministry of Transport (MoT...

Doha, Qatar: Qatar witnessed impressive growth in its maritime transport sector in the first quarter (Q1) of this year. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) completed 544 transactions through Maritime Transport Affairs in Q1, the ministry posted on its X platform recently.

The transactions were related to main services such as issuance and accreditation of certificates of competency for safe manning, naval architect, and marine officer. The main service also includes maritime vessels (ownership transfer, renewal and registration) and foreign vessel engaged in operations in Qatari waters (data modifying and renewal).

The ministry recently launched a new package of digital maritime services related to seafarer affairs as it  continues its digital transformation and service automation plans that aim for performance excellence, faster transactions and simpler procedures. The four new e-services which will be available for the public on a test run at MoT’s official website are: Endorsement attesting the recognition of the working on a tanker certificate, Endorsement attesting the recognition of GMDSS certificate, confirmed receipt of application (CRA) certificate, and endorsement attesting the recognition of certificate of competency (CoC).

The maritime transport sector is committed to developing and modernising the sector in line with MoT’s strategic plans aiming at ensuring a safe maritime navigation that meets all safety requirements and obligations, and keeping pace with international maritime developments through creative and effective application of international maritime instruments and observation of emerging trends and latest publications.

The MoT completed 3,753 transactions through Maritime Transport Affairs in the third quarter of last year and completed 4,415 transactions in second quarter. Out of total 4,415 transactions, 4,232 transactions were related to maritime vessels’ main services, maritime licence services and sailor affairs’ main services while only 183 transactions were related to maritime system services.