Milaha launches direct reefer service between Qatar and Turkey

August 23, 2017: Qatar-based maritime transport and logistics conglomerate, Milaha has announced the launch of the first direct reefer service between Qatar and Turkey. Over the past few weeks, Milaha had arranged two ad hoc voyages of reefer vessels from Turkey to Qatar; however, the company has moved to regularise the service, with departures every 20-25 days between Hamad Port and Port of Izmir, with a short transit time of 11 days.

The new service will be initially operated with one vessel with a capacity of over 5,000 tonnes per voyage and will cater mainly to temperature-controlled cargo and breakbulk, with the option of adding containers upon request.

Commenting on the launch of the new service, Milaha’s president and CEO Abdulrahman Essa Al-Mannai said, “Trade volumes between Qatar and Turkey have significantly increased over the past few months, and we are launching this service as a cost-effective and efficient solution for this growing demand. This service perfectly complements our existing services, and will further enhance connectivity and facilitate trade between Qatari, Arabian Gulf, and Turkish importers and exporters.”

Milaha continues to increase its international presence and diverse portfolio of marine and logistics services. The company has recently expanded into several new shipping routes and accelerated deployment of new supply chain solutions across a number of countries. Milaha currently calls two ports in Oman (Sohar and Salalah), three ports in India (Nhava Sheva, Mundra, and Kandla), and one port in Kuwait (Shuwaikh) offering enhanced access options and transit times to Qatar and the region, and is actively evaluating further expansion of services.