MSC Esthi to Call Hamad Port, Opening of First Phase

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is pleased to have marked the official opening of the Hamad Port Container Terminal 1, with the first call of a 14,000 TEUs vessel.

At the privileged request of Qatar Ports Management Company, MSC Esthi sailed into the Port in time for the long awaited opening ceremony on Thursday 1^st December.

The occasion marks the completion of the first phase of Qatar’s $7.8 billion port, which will initially see capacity of 2million TEU.

Container Terminal 2 and 3 – which are scheduled for completion by 2020 – will lead to a collective capacity of 6million TEUs, and an overall area coverage of some 20 sq km

Mr Biju John, general manager for MSC Qatar, said: “MSC is delighted to be participating in this special occasion, and to be the first liner to bring such a large vessel to the Port.

“We enjoy a very strong relationship with the Port and the community and have been very pleased to be at the centre of the considerable growth and development which is continuing to take place in Qatar.”

In anticipation of the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Qatar has already seen construction start on eight new stadiums, while a new airport opened in 2014, and the new Doha Metro is set for a phased completion in 2020 and then 2030.

MSC Qatar’s main office is based in Doha.