Challenge

Ras Laffan Port plays a central role in supporting Qatar’s industrial and energy projects. Its berths, navigation channel, road links, storage areas and administrative processes were already operating close to capacity. With major new onshore & offshore developments planned, the port faced rising cargo volumes that risked stretching turnaround times, slowing traffic and increasing pressure on storage and customs. GWC Logistics needed an assessment of whether the port’s infrastructure and processes could accommodate this growth for incremental offshore vessels and onshore project cargo.

Solution

LR Advisory was commissioned to carry out a logistics adequacy study to test Ras Laffan Port’s ability to handle the expected increase in vessel demand. The scope covered berthing and offloading facilities, the navigation channel, road access, storage and marshalling yards, and administrative procedures such as customs and access controls. The study also developed strategies for customs clearance, freight forwarding, consolidation and chartering, and prepared an organisational and stakeholder plan to ensure alignment across the logistics chain.

Approach taken

Data was collected and analysed across all parts of the port and its logistics network. Dynamic simulations modelled vessel turnaround, handling times and channel transit under base, construction and stress conditions. Road junction performance at around twenty sites within RAS LAFFAN PORT was assessed using Synchro and Sidra Intersection. Benchmarking against international standards, combined with stress-testing and validation against comparable project data, was applied to test the adequacy of the port’s capacity.

Key activities and outpouts

  • Analysed projected traffic volumes and cargo patterns, including project cargo road movements
  • Reviewed storage, marshalling yard use and customs processes
  • Modelled vessel turnaround, equipment use and channel transit under multiple scenarios
  • Assessed road junction performance across RAS LAFFAN PORT with Synchro and Sidra Intersection
  • Produced an evidence base on port facilities and traffic management
  • Developed strategies for customs clearance, freight forwarding, consolidation and a chartering plan
  • Prepared an organisational plan and stakeholder map covering project owners, EPC contractors, port authorities and freight forwarders.

Key customer benefits

  • Evidence to address potential congestion and delays
  • Analysis of existing assets ahead of major expansion
  • Organisational clarity and coordination between logistics stakeholders
  • Greater certainty for planning future industrial projects
  • Safer port operations able to manage demand growth.

Project outcome

LR Advisory’s study highlighted where infrastructure and processes could restrict cargo movements, and provided strategies to manage these pressures. The work included an evidence base on quays, offloading areas, buffer zones, storage facilities and traffic management, along with strategies to consolidate cargo flows and reduce congestion. By mapping the roles of project owners, EPC contractors, port authorities and freight forwarders, the study strengthened cooperation across stakeholders. Completed in sixteen weeks, it provided GWC Logistics with a clear evidence base for capacity planning.

Conclusion

LR Advisory’s adequacy study provided measures and strategies to safeguard and expand capacity at Ras Laffan Port, giving GWC Logistics the evidence needed for capacity planning and ensuring the port is prepared for future traffic, in line with international benchmarks.

Impact on customer's business & operations

For GWC Logistics, the adequacy study delivered clarity on operational limits and the improvements required to maintain efficiency. It supports planning for new industrial projects while protecting the reliability of day-to-day operations. By aligning contractors, port authorities and logistics providers, the study built confidence in the port’s ability to manage growth.

Other applications

The same methodology can be applied to other ports and logistics hubs under pressure, enabling them to unlock capacity and strengthen future readiness.