Qatar launches 2 new shipping lines to offset blockade

Qatar has launched two new shipping lines to enhance its trade connection with several ports in Asia, Europe and Middle East to offset a transport blockade, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Sunday.

The first line, which was started by the Mediterranean Shipping Company, will be serviced by four ships, with a total capacity of 6,000 containers, including 400 reefer containers.

It will run weekly through the ports of Mersin, Istanbul, Tekridag, Canakkale and Iskenderun in Turkey, Piraeus in Greece, Mundara in India, Sohar and Salalah in Oman and Hamad Port in Qatar.

The second line has one ship with a capacity of 6,000 containers including 400 reefer containers to connect the Chinese ports of Shanghai, Ningbo, Xiamen and Shekou, Port Klang in Malaysia and Hamad Port in Qatar.

Qatar has launched new trade routes after the Gulf crisis to connect it with different destinations to offset the impact of the blockade imposed by the Arab quartet, including Saudi Arab, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt since early June.

The Saudi-led bloc announced on June 5 to cut diplomatic ties and all transport links with Qatar, accusing the latter of supporting terrorist groups, a charge that has been strongly denied by Doha.