Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Marina Port Vell Barcelona to advance the development of Marsa Maritime, a marine cluster located in the Umm Alhoul Free Zone. The agreement aims to strengthen Qatar’s maritime capabilities through cooperation and expert involvement.
Marsa Maritime is located 20 minutes from central Doha and next to Hamad Port, one of the region’s largest greenfield seaports. The cluster features a 1.6-kilometre basin, a draught of 7.5 metres and three kilometres of quay wall. Marsa can accommodate ships up to 70 metres long and supports activities such as maintenance, vessel repair, brokerage, interior design and maritime research.
The MoU was signed by HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, CEO of QFZ, and Ignacio Erroz, CEO of Marina Port Vell Barcelona, during the 34th Monaco Yacht Show.
As part of the MoU, Marina Port Vell Barcelona will provide advisory and consultancy services to share its expertise in managing superyacht infrastructure and operational practices. The Barcelona marina, originally built for the 1992 Olympic Games, now offers 60 berths for vessels up to 190 metres, alongside services such as fuel bunkering, concierge support and 24-hour security.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani, said: “This strategic partnership with Marina Port Vell Barcelona represents an important step in QFZ’s journey to redefine the luxury maritime landscape. With world-class facilities and advanced technologies, we are positioning Marsa as the Gulf’s newest hub for superyachts, service providers and global investors, driving innovation and setting new standards in alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
In addition to consultancy, the MoU includes Marina Port Vell directors’ participation in select high-level maritime events in Qatar, fostering industry collaboration and international networking for Marsa Maritime.
Ignacio Erroz commented: “We are proud to collaborate with QFZ in shaping the future of Marsa Maritime, a project with exceptional potential in Qatar's growing market. By sharing our expertise and engaging with yacht owners and professionals worldwide, we aim to support Marsa's emergence as a premier hub for luxury yachting in the region.”
The collaboration supports the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030, which seeks to balance economic diversification with social, human and environmental development.
