The logistics company DP World has delivered three new harbour cranes to Tartus in Syria. This is expected to increase the port’s handling capacity by 40 per cent.
DP World, based in the United Arab Emirates, is investing $800 million in the port of Tartus. With the delivery of the three new mobile harbour cranes, the company has reached an important milestone in the port’s expansion. According to DP World, the cranes are intended to strengthen Syria’s trade infrastructure and support the country’s economic recovery.
The three cranes will enable faster handling times, greater efficiency and increased throughput of containers, bulk cargo and general cargo. DP World, which has signed a 30-year concession agreement in Tartus, expects the cranes to deliver a 40 per cent increase in capacity. The investment programme will continue over the coming years and includes, amongst other things, dredging work to accommodate larger vessels, the refurbishment of quay walls, the deployment of additional handling equipment, the introduction of digital technologies and the ongoing training of the local workforce.
“This milestone means far more than just the delivery of new equipment,” said Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus. “It underlines our long-term commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery through the reconstruction of vital trade infrastructure. A modern port reduces business costs, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs.”
Mohammad Shihab, DP World’s Executive Vice President for Egypt and the Levant, added: “Thanks to its strategic location on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartus has the potential to develop into a key trade and logistics hub. It connects Syria with key regional markets – including Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey – whilst also strengthening trade flows between the eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf region, Europe and North Africa. Our investment aims to increase efficiency, reduce supply chain bottlenecks and improve connectivity.”
This would provide businesses with more reliable access to regional and global markets, whilst simultaneously promoting growth and competitiveness in the manufacturing, agricultural and trade sectors.
The next phase of the modernisation programme involves the deployment of additional handling equipment – including forklift trucks and reach stackers – later this year, followed by nine further mobile harbour cranes (for lighter loads) in 2027 and early 2028. In addition, the delivery of a new quay crane is planned for 2028.
Alongside the commissioning of new equipment, DP World will shortly begin dredging work to deepen the harbour basin; the refurbishment of the quay walls is due to be completed by the end of 2027.
DP World’s long-term investments extend far beyond mere port operations. By modernising key maritime infrastructure, improving connectivity, creating skilled jobs and facilitating more efficient trade, the company is helping to restore Syria’s position as a regional trade hub. According to DP World, the transformation of the port of Tartus is intended to attract investment, support businesses and consolidate Syria’s role as a gateway for regional and international trade. (jwy)
