Qatar-Oman-Kuwait maritime route opened, first cruise ship to set sail in two weeks

It was only a few days ago Qatar announced the launch of a new maritime route which connected the country with Oman and Kuwait.

And now, more details about the proposed shipping service have emerged.

The MV Grand Ferry, a roll-on/roll-off luxury cruise ship that can carry more than 250 passengers and 700 vehicles, will set sail soon, reported Gulf Times.

Faisal Mohamed Al Sulaiti, the owner of the luxury cruise ship, said the new service would give Qatar’s residents an opportunity to visit two neighbouring GCC countries with flexibility and ease.

“The aim is to bring passengers, who often have limitations on other forms of transportation, to Kuwait and Oman, and even Iran, with their cars. They can disembark and can then drive around,” he was quoted as saying by Gulf Times.

Al Sulaiti added that the new venture would further strengthen Qatar’s relationships with the two friendly nations.

The new route will run between Qatar’s Hamad Port, Oman’s Sohar Port and Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Port. The MV Grand Ferry will make its maiden voyage in two weeks.

Qatar’s transport minister HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti was pleased with the launch of the shipping line.

“The inauguration of this shipping line is one of the main tasks that we aspired to achieve. Qatar always supports private sector companies and help them overcome difficulties they may face. We wish all success to this new project,” he was quoted as saying by Qatar Tribune.

Manolis Moutsatsos, the ship’s captain, took the assembled guests on a tour of the 145M-long vessel. 

“This is something that has never been done in the Gulf before. This will be the first time it’s happening, and we want to be pioneers of the business in the region,” said Faisal.

“We anticipate this service to be successful. We also have cargo to balance revenue and to reduce running costs,” he added.

It will take around two and a half days to complete an entire voyage while cruising from Qatar to Oman. It is expected to take between 20 and 25 hours, apart from disembarkation and other procedures, at every port of destination.

The MV Grand Ferry is a 10-deck cruise ship with over 270 rooms and can carry passengers and various types of vehicles.

“It’s a French-made ship with cinema, lecture/meeting room, salon, coffee shops, recreation and children’s rooms,” Faisal said.

“It also has a clinic, along with a competent medical team, to take care of passengers,” he added.

Travel agencies in Qatar will handle all reservations for passengers with cars while freight forwarders and shipping companies will handle cargo.