The ban of Qatar vessels from many ports in the Middle East region could impact the VLCC market according to Affinity Research.

Container lines will be hit by the cutting of diplomatic ties between Qatar and a number of other countries in the Middle East.

Bahrain Ports and Abu Dhabi Petroleum Port have added to port facilities in the Middle East banning Qatari vessels, or ships that are calling the country.

The Saudi Ports Authority has banned Qatar-flagged or owned vessels from the country’s ports.

The Port of Fujairah has barred all vessels flying the Qatar flag or calling the country’s ports following the escalation in a diplomatic spat between Qatar and the UAE and other GCC countries.

Hapag-Lloyd and United Arab Shipping Co (UASC) have completed their merger and will now focus on the integration of the two companies.

GAC Qatar has set up an office at the world’s largest LNG export port, Ras Laffan. 

Qatar’s Milaha has set its sights on small and medium sized businesses with the launch of a door-to-door shipping service between Qatar and UAE. 

Qatar’s Rasgas has successfully loaded and delivered its 2,000th cargo of LNG to its long-term customer Korea Gas Corporation (Kogas). 

Kalmar has received an order for 21 forklifts, five empty container handlers, and four reachstackers for the New Port Project (NPP) in Qatar.