DP World has reached a milestone in its US$800m investment program to modernize the Port of Tartous in Syria, completing delivery of three mobile harbor cranes intended to strengthen the country’s trade infrastructure.
The company said the cranes are expected to increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity by approximately 40%, enabling faster vessel turnaround and increased handling of containerized, bulk and breakbulk cargo.
The delivery marks a milestone under DP World’s 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate the port. The wider investment program will continue in the coming years with dredging works to accommodate larger vessels, refurbishment of quay walls, deployment of additional cargo-handling equipment, introduction of digital technologies and continued development of the local workforce.
The next phase will include deployment of forklift trucks and reach stackers later this year, followed by nine additional light-duty mobile harbor cranes during 2027 and early 2028. A new quay crane is planned for delivery in 2028. Dredging work to deepen the harbor is set to begin soon, with quay wall refurbishment expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartous, said, “This milestone represents much more than the delivery of new equipment. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery by rebuilding critical trade infrastructure. A modern port reduces the cost of doing business, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs.”
Mohammad Shihab, executive vice president of DP World, Egypt and the Levant, added, “Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartous has the potential to become a vital trade and logistics gateway, connecting Syria with key regional markets including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, while strengthening trade flows across the eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf, Europe and North Africa. Our investment is therefore aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, strengthening connectivity and providing businesses with more reliable access to regional and global markets, while supporting the growth and competitiveness of industries across manufacturing, agriculture and commerce.”
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