HE Prime Minister Witnesses Start of Hamad Port's Full Operations
Doha,HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani on Thursday witnessed the ceremony marking the start of full operations of Hamad Port.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior was briefed on a documentary showcasing the details of the stages establishing the project from its inception to its final stages along with care for environment issues during the execution of Port's construction operations .HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior also listened to a presentation on the docking of the first Container ship in Hamad Port.He then toured the port facilities and its operating administrative buildings. HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani said: "Today, we are witnessing a great achievement in the private transport sector's projects. The unlimited support by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani along with the close follow-up by HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani were behind the start of the overall operations of this giant project before the set deadlines and within the allocated budget,"stressing that the event is an expression of gratitude to HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Founder of Qatar's modern renaissance. HE added: " The New Port Project (NPP) Steering Committee has provided a perfect example by encouraging the contribution of the Qatari private sector to national mega projects where the share of Qatari companies and local market in the contracts for the establishment of the port was nearly 60%. This comes in line with the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani according to which the largest share of economic development projects being implemented by the state shall be undertaken by the local sector." HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior said Hamad Port is a key pillar of the economy, and will make Qatar a maritime gateway for global trade as it provides maritime services according to the state -of- the- art global technology and international security and safety standards.HE Prime Minister and Minister of Interior extended thanks to the steering committee of the new port and all that parties that contributed to the accomplishment of this achievement. ِHE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti has praised the wise guidance unlimited and encouragement by HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, HH the Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, and HH the Deputy Emir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al- Thani, Deputy Emir. He also commended the continued follow-up by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, which contributed significantly towards the Hamad Port full operation, six months in advance and at a lower cost , terming the achievement as a pride for all to be added to the bright achievements of the State in order to realize the Qatar National Vision 2030.HE Minister of Transport and Communications was speaking at a press conference held after the ceremony, which was held today on the occasion of the start of the Hamad Port full operation, witnessed by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al -Thani. HE the Minister said that the full operation work at all levels began some time ago, saying "we completed of all operational preparations to get to this day, with a view to achieving higher efficiency in operations at Hamad Port . "HE the Minister expressed pride over what have been achieved in the field of technology used in the operations of the port, confirming that it this technology is used for the first time in Qatar. He noted that the security system and inspection system at Hamad Port follow the highest international standards in security and safety measures , where 5600 containers are inspected every day, explaining that it among the highest figures recorded at the level of international ports.HE the Minister said the Port follows environmentally friendly systems of the highest standards, in addition to using the latest smart systems in the management of operations, adding, that "The port will use cars without drivers in the future for moving all employees inside the Port.HE the Minister said that based on the directives of HH the Emir, and the guidance of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister the second and third phases of the establishment of Hamad Port had been integrated into one phase which will be completed by 2020 - 2021, referring to the this phase has started from today. He revealed the value of the projects to be awarded in 2017 for this phase which amounts to QR 2.5 billion, explaining that the private sector would take 60% of the total value of the project, "the private sector will be a true partner in the work, so as to achieve the Qatar vision of Qatar by promoting this sector through its support and involvement in the progress process. " HE the Minister considered the joint venture management company Mwani Qatar and Milaha Qatar, to manage the Hamad Port is the start of a new phase to meet the needs of the domestic market as well as to find a future foreign investments and ports.HE the Minister expressed optimism about the size of operation at Hamad Port, saying that "since started operating early in April to till today , the Port harbored more than 190 ships," adding that the Port capacity will reach two million container, to reach 7 million container if all phases are completed.On the prices of the services provided by Hamad Port, HE the Minister said that the prices will be competitive in order to encourage and motivate traders to import goods via Hamad port, adding that the prices will be announced shortly.
