DOHA: Qatar’s maritime transport sector is moving closer to fully digitalised services, with around 95 percent of transactions related to large vessels now available online, as the Ministry of Transport continues to simplify procedures and reduce the need for ship owners and maritime users to visit government offices.
The progress comes following the addition of 11 new electronic services for large vessels, bringing the total number of digital services available to the sector to 21.
Speaking to Al Rayyan TV, Director of the Office of the Assistant Undersecretary for Maritime Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Transport Ibrahim bin Hassan Al Kuwari, said the expansion forms part of the Ministry’s strategy to automate services and replace traditional manual procedures with electronic alternatives.
He said most services can now be accessed through the Ministry’s website, including via mobile devices, allowing users to submit applications, follow their status and complete payments remotely.
“This will make access to services easier and save time,” Al Kuwari said, explaining that beneficiaries can complete transactions from their homes, offices or other locations without having to visit the Ministry. The digital system also allows users to receive completed certificates by email after payment. The certificates carry an official stamp and a QR code that enables their authenticity to be verified.
Al Kuwari noted that this feature is particularly useful for documents such as vessel deletion certificates, as the QR code allows authorities outside Qatar to verify that the certificate was officially issued by the relevant Qatari authority.
The latest package of services was developed in response to actual demand from users. Al Kuwari said manual transactions for large vessels had previously ranged between 80 and 100 applications per month, requiring users to make repeated visits, particularly when applications were missing documents or information.
Among the services now available electronically are ownership transfers, vessel sale transactions, issuance of mortgage certificates, release of mortgages and vessel deletion certificates. The vessel deletion certificate was among the services most frequently requested by users and was therefore included in the new package.
Al Kuwari clarified that the newly added services concern large vessels, while small marine craft are covered through a separate platform where their services are also available electronically.
The Ministry has also maintained channels for users who require assistance. Applicants can contact the Ministry through its website or email to obtain guidance on procedures and the documents required to complete their applications.
The digital transformation is being integrated with Qatar’s wider government services infrastructure. Al Kuwari said users access the Ministry’s electronic services through the National Authentication System (Tawtheeq), which is used across government institutions.
Electronic payments are also integrated with the wider government collection system, creating greater connectivity between the Ministry’s services and other government entities.
Al Kuwari stressed that digital transformation is an ongoing process and requires continuous development based on technological advances and users’ needs. The electronic platform allows beneficiaries to provide feedback after completing transactions, helping the Ministry identify shortcomings and improve services.
He also invited users to submit suggestions for additional certificates or transactions that could be digitised, saying such proposals could be considered for inclusion in a future package. At the same time, he emphasised the importance of maintaining data security, confidentiality and protection as digital services expand.
The continued move towards electronic maritime services is expected to further reduce paperwork, travel and processing burdens for ship owners, while giving users greater flexibility to complete and track transactions remotely.
The Ministry’s approach, Al Kuwari said, is based on continuous “keeping pace” with technological development while listening to beneficiaries and adapting services to meet their evolving requirements.
