The State of Qatar, led by Minister H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani, participated in the 34th IMO Assembly in London. The Minister highlighted Qatar’s commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and training initiatives, including a new Maritime Training Center, emphasizing the nation’s strategic focus on its maritime industry.
In London, Tanzania and Qatar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 24, 2025, to mutually recognize seafarers’ certificates. This agreement, signed by officials from both nations during the International Maritime Organization Assembly, aims to enhance safety, competency standards, and employment opportunities for Tanzanian seafarers in Qatar.
The Ministry of Transport in Doha, Qatar, has announced the full resumption of maritime navigation activities, including pleasure crafts, tourism, and fishing. Emphasizing safety, the ministry urged vessel owners to ensure all navigation equipment is functioning properly. This follows a temporary halt due to GPS technical issues earlier this month.
Doha has recently eased its maritime blackout, initially enforced on October 4 due to GPS disruptions. Qatar’s Ministry of Transport now allows daytime navigation, though nighttime restrictions persist for smaller vessels. This decision comes amid ongoing GPS jamming concerns, with reports of interference in the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of Transport in Doha has temporarily halted all maritime navigation due to a GPS system malfunction. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of maritime operations. Vessel owners are urged to comply with guidelines as the Ministry prioritizes the secure return of all vessels to port during this period.
The Ministry of Transportation in Qatar has initiated a new inspection campaign for maritime vessels, collaborating with the General Directorate of Coasts and Borders Security. This effort focuses on ensuring compliance with safety regulations, checking the availability and functionality of safety equipment, and assessing helmsmen’s adherence to safety instructions.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) celebrated the graduation of its fourth batch of officer candidates at the Polish Maritime Academy. Attended by the Qatari Ambassador to Poland and MoI officials, the ceremony honored graduates who completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Sciences, enhancing Qatar’s maritime security capabilities.
The Telangana Overseas Manpower Company Limited (TOMCOM) is inviting applications from Indian male professionals in Gulf countries for marine sector roles in Qatar, including ship chandler and senior marine technician. Salaries range from Rs 1.06 to 1.23 lakh per month, with additional performance-based incentives. Interested candidates can apply via email.
Qatar’s inaugural Maritime Training and Simulation Centre (MTSC) opened at the University of Doha for Science and Technology, inaugurated by HE Mohammed Abdullah al-Maadeed. The MTSC aims to enhance maritime skills through advanced simulation training, positioning Qatar as a leader in maritime education and innovation, with programs recognized by the International Maritime Organization.
QatarEnergy CEO Saad Al Kaabi announced the signing of charter agreements with Asian shipowners to expand the fleet ahead of LNG expansion. Contracts were signed with CMES LNG Carrier Investment, Shandong Marine Energy, and MISC Berhad for 19 new LNG ships. The North Field expansion aims to double liquefaction capacity by 2030.
Qatar, a major exporter of liquefied natural gas, is delaying shipments to Europe due to the Red Sea crisis, leading to longer travel times. Some European buyers have been notified of delays and postponed deliveries, with the rerouting of shipments impacting global supply. Despite this, Qatar’s LNG exports have not decreased.
Liquefied natural gas suppliers, including Qatar and Russia, are avoiding the Red Sea due to heightened risk of attacks from Houthi militants and warnings of escalation from Doha. The longer routes around Africa are being taken instead of the Suez Canal, reshaping shipping routes and causing industry turmoil.
