Milaha is continuing to launch new direct services to nearby countries from Qatar which have not taken out sanctions against the Middle East nation.

As sanctions against Qatar by neighbouring continue Milaha is setting up a warehousing and third party logistics operation in Oman.

LNG carrier owner GasLog sees a positive outlook for the sector driven by both increased production and import demand.

Qatar Navigation (Milaha) has reported a sharp fall in first half profit as the company attributed the reduced earnings on the protracted downturn of the marine industry across all sectors.

Qatar Gas Transport Company (Nakilat) has recorded a 18.4% year-on-year decline in profit for the first half ended 30 June 2017.

Qatari LNG shipping expert Nakilat is looking to enter the FSRU space with an agreement with Höegh LNG.

Qatar Petroleum has launched bunkering operations for vessels calling Qatari ports following sanctions against the country by neighbouring nations.

The Ocean Alliance has switched its Doha call to the Port of Sohar in Oman following sanctions against Qatar.

The Port of Fujairah has eased restrictions for vessels that have called from Qatar, which should allow for bunkering.

Geopolitical developments, politely called “exogenous factors” have a funny way of creeping up on shipping people, and, sometimes, but not always, impacting trade flows in ways not envisioned only a few days earlier.