Over 13,400 maritime transport transactions recorded in nine months, surges 14.4%

Doha, Qatar - The Ministry of Transport in Qatar reported a 14.4% increase in maritime transport transactions during the first nine months of 2026, compared to the same period in 2025, recording a total of 13,412 transactions. This surge of 1,693 transactions year-on-year follows a decline in activity during Q3 2026, with only 2,632 transactions recorded, as opposed to 3,321 in the same quarter of 2025.

The data reveals that maritime services remained notably active during Q2 2026, with 7,706 transactions, significantly higher than the 5,042 transactions in the same quarter of the previous year. However, Q1 2026 saw a modest decline with 3,074 transactions, compared to 3,356 during the same period in 2025.

Services managed by Maritime Transport Affairs encompass a wide array of activities related to vessels, maritime professionals, and foreign vessels operating in Qatar's waters, including services such as issuing Certificates of Competency (C.O.C.) for areas like safe manning, naval architects, and marine officers. Additionally, the authority handles vessel ownership transfers, renewals, and registration, along with providing administrative services for foreign vessels in Qatar's waters, such as data modification and renewal procedures.

The overall increase in transactions underscores sustained demand for maritime regulatory and administrative services, reflecting Qatar's ongoing commitment to supporting its maritime sector through vessel registration, personnel certification, and vessel oversight. This rise in activity also highlights the sector's adaptability and responsiveness to international maritime trends and developments.