Doha-based GWC has reported a net profit of QR116m ($31.86m) in the first half of 2018, an increase of 10 per cent over the corresponding period last year.

Revenues reached QR622m while earning per share rose 9 per cent to reach QR1.97 during the same period, the company said in a statement.

It added that the GWC’s various divisions have taken decisive action “to maintain optimal operations across the board” by reviewing alternative routes and leveraging its international freight network.

The company currently operates multiple locations including the Logistics Village Qatar (LVQ), the GWC Bu Sulba Warehousing Park, and the Bu Fesseela Warehousing Park.

GWC’s growth appears to indicate that Qatar's logistics sector is adapting to the trade embargo that has been imposed on the country by its neighbours since June 2017.

MEED understands that most shipping companies have been deploying smaller vessels that go directly to Hamad Port since the start of the year.

According to a source, taking this approach is significantly more cost effective compared to trans-shipping container or cargo destined to Hamad Port at Oman’s Salalah Port. “Any vertical movement of containers is very expensive, so using smaller vessels that go directly to Hamad Port is better for both consumers and third party logistics companies (3PLs),” the source said.