New Container Freight Service Shipping between Qatar and Kuwait to Beat Cargo Blockade

QATAR – KUWAIT – Though Qatar is being effectively blockaded by its neighbours, who have forbidden Qatar-based freight operations from using their airspace and suspending ocean shipping with all container services withdrawn and road haulage cargo movements suspended, there are those in the Arab world demonstrating the old adage of 'a crisis also represents an opportunity'.

Milaha, a Qatar-based maritime and logistics conglomerate, has launched the first ever direct container feeder service between Qatar and Kuwait. The new service, named KQX (Kuwait Qatar Express Service), will operate between Hamad Port in Qatar and Shuwaikh Port in Kuwait once a week initially, using a 515 TEU vessel.

With 50 reefer plugs available on the vessel and a transit time of one day, the new service is ideal for transporting perishable products and food stuffs, among other cargoes, coming into and out of Qatar. Commenting on the new service, Milaha’s President and CEO Mr. Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai said:

“Qatar and Kuwait have long enjoyed strong economic ties, and today, we are building further on these ties with the launch of the Kuwait Qatar Express Service, which represents a fast and cost-efficient solution, particularly for local and regional exporters aiming to enter the Qatari market. Going forward, our track record in delivering reliable and innovative supply chain solutions allows us to continue responding flexibly to our clients’ specific requirements with solid value propositions.”

Milaha has recently expanded into several new shipping routes and accelerated deployment of new supply chain solutions across a number of countries. Milaha currently calls 2 ports in Oman (Sohar and Salalah) and 3 ports in India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Kandla) and is actively evaluating further expansion of services.

Crisis, it would appear, does offer opportunity indeed.