The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has completed the infrastructure works of the first phase of the Water Taxi project, including the Lusail Ferry Terminal and two ferry stops at the Pearl Ferry Stop and Corniche Ferry Stop. The project was announced at the Qatar Boat Show, with over 450 maritime companies and trademarks participating. The Water Taxi project aims to provide modern waterborne public transportation systems with cutting-edge ecofriendly technologies to enhance integration with other transit systems and transport passengers to various destinations.
The main Lusail Ferry Terminal covers an area of over 2200sqm and includes a pontoon for ferry recharging, waiting area, ticketing facility, and service facilities. The two ferry stops at the Pearl and Corniche also have pontoons, ticketing offices, and customer service offices. The MoT is in the process of selecting a project operator and ferry types for passenger transportation. The second phase of the project will extend to areas such as Katara, Old Doha Port, Hamad International Airport, and Al Wakra, while the third phase will connect the Old Doha Port with Al Khour, passing through Lusail City and Simaisma.
The Water Taxi project supports Qatar’s tourism profile and Qatar Tourism’s plans by promoting domestic travel by ferries. The MoT booth at the Qatar Boat Show features new digital services for vessels, including the automatic identification system (AIS) for safety and tracking during inspection operations. Skipper Plus, a moisture meter for wooden and fiberglass vessels, is also showcased to ensure the vessels are in good condition and help reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
On the sidelines of the event, the MoT is hosting two panel discussions with the International Maritime Organization. The first discussion focuses on raising awareness of different boat types for safe navigation, while the second discussion highlights the reliability of unmanned ships and technological advancements for smaller boats and leisure boats. These discussions aim to emphasize the importance of technological advancements in improving safety and efficiency in maritime operations.
