Title image: seascanner.com
The cruise ship, MSC Fantasia, which docks in Qatar tomorrow, will dock at the Doha Port — a dedicated tourist cruise port.
The MSC Fantasia is an Italian cruise ship owned and operated by MSC Cruises, originally an Italian cruise company. The ship is 333 meters in length and 67 meters in height, which is huge!
Image source: MSC Cruises
Both, the revamped Doha Port (from commercial port to tourism), and the Hamad Port have recently become fully operational. The Doha Port already welcomed cruise ships such as The World, which is 196 m length, with 280 crew numbers fully equipped with entertainment facilities including apartments, swimming pools and more, and the Azamara Journey, which is 181m long, and had 724 tourists aboard from different countries.
The Doha Port has been officially closed to all commercial vessels since December 1, 2016, but will continue to receive cruise ships. The Doha Port will close completely on March 31, 2017 (MOTC).
The Qatar Port Management Company, Mwani Qatar, is the exclusive operator of the state’s commercial and tourist ports. Mwani Qatar recently partnered with Milaha, Qatar navigation, to establish QTerminals in order to jointly manage Hamad Port.
Image source: Mwani
Commenting on the new partnership, Minister Al Sulaiti said; “This strategic partnership reaps the benefits of several years of strong collaboration and ties between Mwani Qatar and Milaha, which have brought about this common plan for managing Hamad Port, one of the country’s vital megaprojects and which will serve as Qatar’s gateway to world trade.”
The launch of the Hamad Port signifies the development of Qatar’s maritime infrastructure and will boast a handling capacity of seven million containers per year after completion. According to Milaha, it will also be connected to Gulf Cooperation Council countries through a road and rail network.
Upon completion the Hamad Port will include a customs inspection area for rapid cargo clearance, a port Control Tower, a ship inspection platform and multiple maritime facilities. Additionally there will be other utilities such as storage units, mosques, rest areas, medical clinics and the offices required for port operation (Source: Milaha).
*Correction from Hamad Port to Doha Port.
Are you looking forward to Qatar receiving more tourist cruise ships? Comment below!
Follow us on our social media channels:
@ILQlive
@ILQlive
@ILoveQtr
ILoveQatar
You have successfully registered your account!
Please confirm your e-mail address by clicking on the URL sent to you.The e-mail usually arrives in 5-10 minutes.
How ajeeb was that!? Thanks for contributing to our community! Your post will appear after we take a quick look!
