Update on the Qatar situation

Overview

The cutting of diplomatic ties with Qatar imposed by a number of Arab states with effect from 6 June 2017 has also impacted the operation of ships in the area due to the restrictions imposed. 

The information provided to us about restrictions imposed by each country on ships are updated below where more information about UAE ports is now available including the amendment to the restrictions imposed by Abu Dhabi Petroleum ports published on 7 June 2017.

As the situation may change it is strongly recommended to contact a local agent for the latest and detailed information prior to scheduling a port call in the area:

Bahrain

The Ports and Maritime Affairs at Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has declared that all Bahrain Ports and territorial waters will remain suspended for marine navigation from and to State of Qatar effective from 6th June 2017. 

Saudi Arabia

Qatari-flagged ships are banned from Saudi ports, as are ships owned and operated by Qatari nationals or having Qatari personnel onboard. Cargoes of Qatari origin will be refused permission for discharge.

UAE

Immigration of Qatari Nationals has been suspended, and all Qatari visitors and residents have been given two weeks to leave UAE territory. UAE citizens are banned from travelling to Qatar. The UAE land border is closed to Qatari cargo.

Abu Dhabi Ports (Port Khalifa, Musaffa Port, Mina Syed Port)

The following ships and cargo categories are not allowed:

  • Qatar flagged ships
  • Ships proceeding to/arriving from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag
  • Ships loading/discharging cargo destined to to/from Qatar 

Abu Dhabi Petroleum Ports (Ruwais Area)

– please note the different restrictions compared to above.

Following ships and cargo categories are not allowed:

  • Qatar flagged ships
  • The owner has Qatari nationality
  • The operator is a Qatari company 

Port of Fujairah

Ships flying Qatar flags or ships destined to or arriving from Qatar ports are not allowed to call Port of Fujairah and Fujairah Offshore Anchorage regardless their nature of call. Ships to vacate anchorage immediately if:

  • Arrived from Qatar
  • Destined to Qatar
  • Qatari flagged ships
  • Ship Management from Qatar base company

Jebel Ali Port, Hamriya Port, Port Rashid

The following ships are not allowed in DP World, UAE Region port or its anchorage areas with immediate effect until further notice

  • All Qatari flagged/owned ships
  • All ships going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag
  • Ships loading/discharging cargo destined to to/from Qatar

Saqr Port, Ras Al Khaimah Port, RAK Maritime City, Al Jazeera Port, Al Jeer Port including offshore anchorage

Following ships and cargo categories are not allowed:

  • All Qatari flagged/owned ships
  • All ships going to/coming from Qatar as last/next port of call, irrespective of the flag
  • Ships loading/discharging cargo destined to to/from Qatar

Sharjah Seaports Authority ports including anchorages

Following ships and cargo categories are not allowed:

  • All Qatari flagged/owned ships
  • All ships destined for or arriving from Qatar, irrespective of the flag
  • Ships carrying cargo destined for Qatar including transit cargo

Egypt 

It is anticipated that Qatari-flagged ships will not be permitted to enter Egyptian ports. 

There is currently no indication that ships calling from Qatar or proceeding to Qatar will face difficulties. 

Flights between Egypt and Qatar will be temporarily suspended. 

Qatari nationals entering Egypt are likely to face difficulties. 

There should be no effect on Suez Canal transits for the time being, but there may be a requirement for Qatari crew members to be replaced while crossing the Canal.

 

Sources include GAC.com, ukpandi.com

 

Merete Lund Greisen
in Copenhagen, DK

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