After a ban on the import and export of Qatari-flagged, bound and origin ships, Maersk Line is reportedly set to begin container shipments to Qatar from Oman, avoiding trade restrictions imposed on the Gulf state by Arab countries.
The first feeder shipment – which involves using smaller ships – is expected to depart Salalah, Oman, on June 19 and arrive in Doha on June 25, Maersk Line said. Maersk Line plans to make such service available every 10 days, but will not accept new bookings for Qatar until further notice, it said.
The original ban on Qatar shipments came into place after Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the UAE severed ties with the wealthy Gulf Arab state for allegedly supporting terrorism that is destabilising the region.
At present, the Port of Jebel Ali remains closed to Qatar-bound business despite being a vitally important port in feedering transhipments to Qatar.
The Qatari government recently released a statement with regard to the accusations of supporting terrorism which read:
“The recent joint statement issued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE regarding a ‘terror finance watch list’ once again reinforces baseless allegations that hold no foundation in fact.”
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