DP World Invests $800 Million in Tartus Port Modernization

DP World reached a significant milestone in its $800 million investment program to transform the Port of Tartus, by completing the delivery of three mobile harbor cranes (MHC) that will strengthen Syria's trade infrastructure and support the country's economic recovery.

The three cranes are expected to increase the port's cargo handling capacity by approximately 40%, allowing for faster vessel turnaround, greater operational efficiency, and increased handling of containerized, bulk, and break-bulk cargo. This investment is designed to strengthen Syria's trade infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience, and consolidate the foundations for long-term economic growth.

The delivery of the cranes represents a significant milestone under DP World's 30-year concession agreement for the development and operation of Tartus Port. In the coming years, the investment program will continue and include dredging work to accommodate larger vessels, renovation of quays, installation of additional cargo handling equipment, introduction of digital technologies, and continuous development of the local workforce.

Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus, stated that "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 essential trade infrastructure. A modern port reduces operational costs, attracts investment, and creates skilled jobs."

Mohammad Shihab, Executive Vice President of DP World for Egypt and the Levant, specified that "strategically located on Syria's Mediterranean coast, the Port of Tartus has the potential to become a vital commercial and logistics gateway, connecting Syria with key regional markets such as Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, while strengthening trade flows in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, Europe, and North Africa. Therefore, our investment is aimed at increasing efficiency, reducing supply chain bottlenecks, and strengthening connectivity, providing businesses with more reliable access to regional and global markets, while supporting the growth and competitiveness of manufacturing, agricultural, and commercial industries."

The next phase of the modernization program will include the addition of further cargo handling equipment, such as forklifts and reach stackers, later this year. Subsequently, nine light mobile harbor cranes will be added during 2027 and early 2028. The delivery of a new quay crane is also planned for 2028.

In addition to the deployment of new equipment, DP World will soon begin dredging work to deepen the port, while quay renovation is expected to be completed by the end of 2027. These infrastructure improvements will increase the port's capacity to receive larger vessels, enhance operational safety and efficiency, and reinforce Tartus's role as a key gateway supporting Syria's growing trade and economic recovery.