Qatar Navigation buys boxship, ramps Sohar infrastructure in wake of sanctions

Qatar Navigation – also known as Milaha – continues to take action to operate in a more constricted environment weeks after Arab neighbours put in place severe sanctions against Qatar.

The diverse shipowner is reported by brokers as taking the 3,586 teu HS Chopin from Germany’s Hansa Shipping for $8.25m.

Moreover, with key hub Dubai a no-go area for Qatari ships since sanctions were put in place in June, Qatar Navigation has announced plans to shift its regional transhipment hub to the port of Sohar in Oman.

The line has said it is setting up a warehousing and logistics operation at Sohar.

Milaha’s president and CEO Abdulrahman Essa Al Mannai said in a statement yesterday: “We are pleased to be setting up in Oman as we seek to strengthen our position as a leading international provider of marine transport and logistics services.”