With a diversified range of businesses, Milaha has been able to weather some of the problems afflicting the global shipping industry.

However, the company could still look to trim down its operations to ensure it remains sustainable and profitable. It rationalised some of its non-maritime investments in 2012 and further cuts could happen this year.

Sales and profits are growing, with the company’s overall revenue increasing by 4 per cent in the first nine months of 2012, compared with the same period in the previous year. Operating profit increased by 10 per cent and net profit rose by 9 per cent by the end of the third quarter last year.

With growing profits and little debt, Milaha is well-positioned to raise financing when it needs to. This will prove helpful if the firm does decide to make acquisitions during 2013.

Milaha says growth is being driven by both external and internal factors. The regional maritime logistics business reflects growth in the Qatari economy and an increase in trade flows to the region. This will continue beyond 2013 as Doha’s planned projects spending pick up.