Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port

Doha, Qatar

Escalators, New Construction

submitted by TK Elevator

In alignment with the Qatar National Vision 2030 and its emphasis on expanding the nation’s tourism sector, the Grand Cruise Terminal at Doha Port stands as a new maritime gateway and a key attraction for cruise enthusiasts and passengers globally. Recognized by Forbes as one of the world’s most beautiful cruise terminals, this architectural marvel boasts traditional Arab design and restores the historic connection between Doha and the sea.

The Grand Cruise Terminal is sprawled in the newly renovated Doha Port, built to boost cruise tourism. During the 2023-24 cruise season, the Doha Port welcomed 378,677 passengers and 73 vessels, marking a significant 38% increase in visitors and a 33% rise in ships compared to the previous season.

The Grand Cruise Terminal has an impressive ability to handle 12,000 passengers a day and can accommodate two mega-ships simultaneously. It also features an architectural masterpiece: an escalator system that offers passengers a unique journey through one of Qatar’s largest aquariums. 

Inside the terminal, two buildings are connected by a vast aquarium. Passengers are greeted by a stunning array of regional marine life as they descend to passport control through a passage that cuts through the aquarium, setting the tone for their experience in Doha.

This project features an extraordinary single main tank 9-m high and with more than 6 million l of water volume.  

• Total Area: 2,805 m² 
• Total Water Volume: 5,990 m³ 
• Aquarium Tunnel Length: 17 + 17 m 
• Biggest Panel Size: 17 x 5.7 m

Project Details

TK Elevator (TKE) was entrusted with the vertical-transportation (VT) system solution for the Grand Cruise Terminal, including the design, manufacture and installation of 10 passenger lifts, eight escalators and four moving walks, from TKE’s facility in Zhongshan, China.

The highlights of this project are the four TKE velino escalators that carry people to the customs area of the terminal through a transparent tunnel surrounded by wild aquatic sea life. 

The installation of these four escalators within the aquarium tunnel was exceptionally complex. The project required that the escalators be installed only after the aquarium was fully completed and successfully passed leak tests, ruling out the use of conventional escalator design and installation methods.

To meet this challenge and ensure results as desired by the customer, TKE employed advanced design and engineering solutions, including reinforcing the escalator trusses, adding extra supports and splitting the escalators into multiple pieces. This approach ensured that all safety and quality standards were upheld, despite the challenging conditions.

The on-site installation was particularly demanding due to the glass surroundings of the work area. The escalators were assembled piece by piece with each joint meticulously connected from the bottom upward, requiring precise coordination among multiple contractors.

These escalators play a unique role in this project. Unlike those found in other public transport hubs, which primarily serve to move people from one location to another, these escalators are designed to be part of an aquatic journey that creates lasting memories for travelers visiting Doha, showcasing world-class aquatic attractions. Consequently, their installation and smooth operation are crucial for ensuring a positive first experience for passengers in the country. TKE’s flagship solution velino was chosen for its specialized design for heavy-duty and high-traffic applications, while offering world-class comfort and protection for passengers. In view of the constant flow of travelers passing through this tunnel each day heading to mandatory customs clearance, the velino escalator’s robust features and reliability are crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient passenger experience.

Additionally, the passenger elevator featured a uniquely designed cabin interior inspired by traditional ship interiors. The intricate detailing and high-end finishes demanded exceptional craftsmanship to achieve the desired result.  

TKE successfully met all project criteria, delivering a final product that adhered to the highest standards of safety and quality. Each VT system within the terminal provides passengers with a unique and memorable experience, contributing to the terminal’s status as a major tourist attraction and supporting Qatar’s goal of enhancing regional tourism.