Global Trade
June 29, 2026
Qatar suspends maritime activities due to safety concerns
Written by Stephanie Ritenbaugh
Qatar’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) said Monday it suspended all maritime activities until further notice, citing safety concerns.
“For the sake of public safety, owners and users of maritime vessels, including leisure boats, fishing boats, jet skis, and all other maritime vessels, are advised to temporarily suspend sailing and all forms of maritime activities, as of the date of publishing this announcement and until further notice,” the ministry said on its website.
The ministry had lifted a previous suspension on May 2.
“The MOT urges all to adhere to this announcement,” it continued.
The United States and Iran continued to trade attacks over the weekend despite agreeing to a memorandum of understanding meant to cease hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On Sunday, Qatar’s interior ministry said a Qatari national was killed after sustaining injuries from shrapnel due to “military operations in the area,” after a vessel carrying him and another person went missing, as reported by Reuters.
President Trump said talks with Iran would resume Tuesday in Qatar. Iran did not confirm the meetings, according to NPR.
Qatar is home to the Qatalum aluminum smelter in Doha. The smelter is operating at about 60% of its capacity. Qatalum is a joint venture between Norsk Hydro and Qatar Aluminium Manufacturing Company, with a nameplate capacity of 636,000 metric tons and casthouse capacity of 664,000 metric tons.
