Seatrade Maritime Qatar Opens Doors to Global Maritime Industry

February 3, 2025

ShipUniverse: Quick Summary
Aspect	Details	Quick Insight
Event Overview	Seatrade Maritime Qatar, a two-day conference and exhibition, launched in Doha.	Aims to position Qatar as a key player in global maritime logistics.
Speakers	Over 40 speakers, including IMO Secretary-General and CEOs from key maritime organizations.	High-profile participation signals the event's significance.
Sponsors	Sponsors include Mwani Qatar, Milaha, MSC, and Bureau Veritas.	Strong industry support highlights confidence in the event.
Key Themes	Future fuels, port operations, fleet financing, and digital transformation.	Focuses on innovation and sustainable growth.

Doha, Qatar – February 3, 2025: Seatrade Maritime Qatar has officially opened its doors today at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Conference Centre in Doha, marking a milestone as Qatar’s first large-scale maritime conference and exhibition. Held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Transport, the event is hosted by the Ministry of Transport and organized by Seatrade Maritime in partnership with Mwani Qatar as the founding strategic partner.

This two-day event (February 4-5) seeks to strengthen Qatar’s position as a key player in global maritime trade by gathering leading stakeholders in shipping, logistics, technology, and finance. Participants include high-level government officials, shipping companies, innovators, and service providers, as well as over 40 speakers from around the world.

A Vision for Growth in Maritime and Logistics

Chris Morley, Seatrade Maritime Group Director, expressed the event’s long-term ambition to foster growth in the maritime sector:
“Our ambition is to bring the maritime and logistics world to Qatar, catalyzing growth in those sectors and accelerating the momentum that has already been created, in no small part by the partners and sponsors of this event. Seatrade Maritime Qatar will cover vital topics including port operations, future fuels, and fleet financing,” he said.

Topics such as port operations, sustainable fuels, and financing next-generation fleets will feature prominently in the discussions.

Prominent Speakers and Attendees

Leading voices in the maritime industry will speak at the event, including:

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of Qatar Free Zones Authority
Fahad bin Saad Al-Qahtani, Group CEO of Milaha
Neville Bissett, Group CEO of QTerminals

These speakers, alongside other experts from companies like Milaha, Smit Lamnalco, Mwani Qatar, and the University of Doha for Science and Technology, will address key challenges and opportunities in the global shipping industry.

Strong Industry Support

The event has attracted significant backing from leading maritime organizations. Founding strategic partner Mwani Qatar plays a central role in organizing the conference, with other major sponsors including:

Main Sponsors: Qatar Free Zones Authority, Milaha, and QTerminals Group
Diamond Sponsors: Nakilat and Mawani KSA
Platinum Sponsors: ABS and Invest Qatar
Gold Sponsors: MSC Qatar, MEDLOG, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register, and DNV

Speaking about the importance of Seatrade Maritime Qatar, Biju John, General Manager of MSC Qatar, stated:
“We are excited to announce the participation of MSC Qatar and its logistics arm MEDLOG as Gold Sponsors of Seatrade Maritime 2025.

“As leaders in the shipping and logistics industry, MSC and MEDLOG recognize the importance of innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in shaping the future of the maritime industry. Seatrade Maritime 2025 provides an exceptional platform for us to engage with key stakeholders, share insights, exchange ideas, and highlight our ongoing commitment to excellence and sustainability across the supply chain.”

Mrs. Myriam Bellid, Director of MEDLOG Qatar, emphasized the company’s commitment to the sector:
With a shared vision of transforming the maritime and logistics sector, MSC Qatar and MEDLOG Qatar continue to push the boundaries of efficiency, reliability, and environmental responsibility. Our Gold Sponsorship at Seatrade Maritime 2025 underscores our commitment to driving growth, advancing technology, and addressing the challenges of an ever-evolving global market."

Shaping the Future of Maritime Trade

With sessions on digital transformation, alternative fuels, and fleet financing, the event aims to foster collaboration and innovation. Organizers believe that platforms like Seatrade Maritime Qatar will accelerate Qatar’s emergence as a regional maritime hub, creating opportunities for international partnerships and sustainable growth.

Emma Howell, Content Director at Seatrade Maritime, underscored the significance of the event:
“The commitment of these speakers from across the industry who are all converging on Doha in February 4-5th, is testament to the significance of this new regional event that will put the spotlight on Qatar and its fast-track emergence as a globally rising maritime cluster.”

The event is free to attend for those who register at www.seatrademaritime-qatar.com.