DP World has commenced operations at Tartus Port following formal handover from the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and welcomed the new harbor tug Al Fath into service.
This marks a major milestone under DP World’s 30-year concession agreement for Tartus Port, which includes a planned $800 million investment representing one of the largest international investments in Syria’s logistics sector in recent years.
The concession is designed to support Syria’s economic recovery and transform Tartus into a highly efficient trade and logistics hub.
Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus, stated they are committed to applying DP World’s global expertise to build a modern, digitally-enabled port that will grow trade, create opportunities, and firmly position Tartus as a key trade hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Harbor tugs guide large vessels in confined spaces and serve as first-response assets in marine emergencies.
Tugs support safe and reliable ship calls, improving berth approach control, reducing turnaround times, and raising overall port safety. The newly arrived 22-meter Al Fath features 50-tonne bollard pull with class-rated firefighting water cannons.
DP World is currently undertaking comprehensive assessment of the port’s infrastructure including equipment, quay readiness, and yard and warehouse facilities. This phase encompasses technical surveys, operational studies, and design planning to develop a detailed redevelopment roadmap.
In the immediate term, focus will center on dredging port access channels, basins, and berths to achieve optimal design depths. Combined with rehabilitation and replacement of existing handling equipment, alongside introduction of new specialized assets, these works will enable the port to meet growing bulk and breakbulk cargo demand.
In the medium term, the redevelopment program will include upgrading port infrastructure and superstructure, expanding handling and storage capacity, and investing in bulk handling systems as well as new containerized and non-containerized facilities.
These initiatives will position Tartus Port as a key maritime and logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting regional and international trade flows and contributing significantly to Syria’s reconstruction and economic recovery efforts.
In his new role as CEO of DP World Tartus, Al Banna will oversee Tartus Port modernization, which is set to benefit from significant capital expenditure in infrastructure upgrades, operational efficiency, and workforce development.
Reflecting on his appointment, Fahad Al Banna expressed its confidence that the redevelopment of Tartus Port will contribute to the country’s economic revival, support jobs, and strengthen regional trade flows.
