Members are reminded of the articles previously published concerning this matter. 

Since the situation can change at short notice, we strongly recommend members contact their local agent and their P&I Club about any matters related to these sanctions before calling Qatar.

This would include the actual restriction, as well as issues related to the bills of lading already issued and other legal effects specific for the voyage in question.

It is important members ensure that their trading does not infringe the measures introduced by these other countries as delays arising out of such trade may not be covered by the usual marine insurance policies.

The P&I Clubs are generally providing updated and precise information and you will find information for example in the following articles:

• Qatari Trade Sanctions – The North of England P&I Association Limited
• Qatar: Boycott by other nations - SKULD
• Qatar diplomatic crisis - legal implications – The Standard Club

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

In addition to the previous information provided about the restrictions and precautions to be taken when trading in the area, BIMCO has been informed of the following: 

The Port of Khasab in Oman, has agreed to issue port clearance to ships having difficulties going into or coming out of Qatari ports. Under normal circumstances, issuance of a port clearance at Khasab for ships calling only for the purpose of obtaining clearance is not permitted.

To do so it is important to note that the port clearance issued at the last port must show next port as Khasab, Oman.

The port has a 300 m quay with a maximum draft of 8.5 m. Clearance can be done at berth if available or if not, at anchorage. For clearance alongside, the ship must be able to berth without assistance of pilot and tugs which are not available, however, linesmen will be provided.

No crew launches are available and for anchorage clearance, officials will use available boat service for collection/delivery of documents.

Sources include GAC.com

Trading restrictions imposed against Qatar

 In June 2017 Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut ties with Qatar and imposed restrictions affecting amongst other things shipping, trading, and travelling in the area.

On 5 January 2021, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and the rest of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, along with Egypt, signed the “Al-Ula Declaration” at the 41st GCC Summit held in the city of Al-Ula. Since the signing of the Declaration, we understand that steps have been taken to re-open land, sea and air corridors.

Trading restrictions imposed by Qatar 

• Arab League Boycott of Israel: Qatar's Position
  According to available information, Qatar appears to no longer adhere to the Arab League's boycott of Israel (I.e. primary, secondary and tertiary boycotts).
  
  
• United Nations Security Council Resolutions