DP World has reached the first significant milestone in the modernisation of the Port of Tartous with the arrival of the first of three new Mobile Harbour Cranes marking the initial tangible investment under the company’s 30-year concession agreement with the Syrian government signed last year.
Two additional cranes are scheduled for delivery by August.
Each crane is capable of handling approximately 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, and together the three units are expected to increase the port’s overall cargo-handling capacity by approximately 40%.
The expanded capability will enable Tartous to accommodate larger vessels, reduce vessel turnaround times and handle higher volumes of containers, bulk cargo and breakbulk shipments, strengthening Syria’s import and export capabilities and supporting growing regional trade flows.
The crane deliveries form part of DP World’s total US$ 800 million investment programme at Tartous, encompassing infrastructure upgrades, modern cargo-handling equipment, digitalisation and operational improvements designed to position the port as a competitive Mediterranean gateway for regional and international trade.
The programme also includes extensive training and skills development for local employees, embedding operational excellence and creating sustainable long-term employment opportunities.
Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartous, described the crane arrival as the first in a series of investments that will enhance the port’s capacity, efficiency and reliability while contributing to Syria’s long-term economic recovery.
Strategically located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast at the intersection of Southern European, Middle Eastern and North African trade routes, Tartous is positioned to play an increasingly significant role in facilitating regional commerce as the investment programme advances.
