QATAR's three main ports saw a stupendous 68.57 per cent year-on-year surge in container volume to five million TEU in the first quarter, reports Doha's Gulf Times.

The world's largest shipping lines and other mainline operators now call directly at Hamad Port, and many are expanding their existing routes.

"This milestone reflects positively on the growth of the port, which is steadily making its way to becoming one of the most efficient and competitive ports in the region," said QTerminals, a terminal operating company jointly established by Mwani Qatar and Milaha.

The Hamad Port's second container terminal (CT2), which began operations recently, has a robust technological infrastructure supporting the sector, said the report.

Prime Minister Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani inaugurated the initial operations of the CT2 in December, which is poised to enhance the country's competitiveness.

The 403,500-square metre CT2 comprises of Phases 1 and 2 to start before the end of 2022; while Phases 3 and 4 will be developed later to raise the port's operational capacity according to local market's needs,said the report.

The equipment used at the CT2 is environmentally friendly and low in carbon emissions, said Mwani Qatar, a pivotal entity responsible for managing the nation's seaports and shipping terminals.

The government's plan is to transform Qatar into a vibrant regional trading hub, with its proximity to the continents and an attractive regulatory and legal environment.

Sources in the port and logistics sectors said the Hamad Port's large potential has attracted the world's leading shipping lines. Qatar's major trade partners include China, the US, Europe and Japan.

The world's largest shipping lines and other mainline operators now call directly at Hamad Port, and many are expanding their existing routes. New routes include services from China/the Far East and Bangladesh, and established routes that have expanded include the Far East, India/Pakistan, Oman, and Europe/the Mediterranean.