Middle EastPorts and Logistics

Qatari owners rethink supply lines as neighbouring ports bar access

Ports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have barred all Qatari vessels from calling following yesterday’s severing of diplomatic ties between Qatar and a number of Arab nations over the kingdom’s ties to terrorist groups.

Among key developments in the 24 hours since the diplomatic shake up was announced the UAE’s Port of Fujairah has issued a notice barring all vessels flying Qatari flags and any vessel arriving from Qatari ports. For Qatari owners this is a severe blow. Rasgas and Qatargas vessels, for instance, buy up to 150,000 tons of bunker fuel from Fujairah every month.

Qatari authorities will also need to address urgently from where they will now ship in daily living essentials. Most of Qatar’s daily food, water and beverage supplies come from Saudi Arabia.

Egypt, Yemen, Libya’s eastern-based government and the Maldives have followed suit in severing diplomatic ties with Qatar.

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
Back to top button