Doha, December 16 (QNA) - The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has begun dredging works in Doha Port as efforts continue to develop all ports countrywide and preserve their infrastructure.

The Ministry aims to boost Doha Port's capacity to be able to accommodate the largest cruise ships in the future, helping to position the capital city among world's top cruise ship tourism destinations.

"Dredging deeper in the Doha Port's watercourse will qualify it to become a tourist destination that is able to accommodate giant cruise ships. These development works will generate significant economic returns to companies, hotels, restaurants, retailing and service sectors as well as the tourist landmarks of Qatar," said HE Director of Technical Affairs at MOTC Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalid Al-Thani.

This key project, he added, "contributes to the Qatar National Vision 2030 and assists in achieving the goals of the Qatar National Tourism Sector Strategy 2018-2023 that aims to place Qatar among the world's best tourism locations." The project, which will help the Port to receive supersize cruise ships in the future, will be a key landmark during the events of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, HE Director of Technical Affairs noted.

MOTC earlier awarded the dredging and expansion contract to a consortium that includes the Middle East Dredging Co. (MEDCO) and the Belgian Jan De Nul, which will use two of the world's largest dredgers to clear up to 3.5 million cubic meters of material in the approach channel. (QNA)