DP World has entered into a landmark 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus.
This long-term partnership marks a significant milestone in Syria’s economic recovery, aiming to transform Tartus into a strategic regional trade hub linking Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Under the terms of the agreement, DP World will invest up to $800 million over the concession period. The investment will be directed toward modernizing the port’s infrastructure, deploying advanced cargo-handling equipment, and implementing digital solutions to enhance operational efficiency across both container and general cargo terminals.
Structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer model, the project will be fully owned and operated by DP World during the concession term.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem expressed his belief that Tartus has significant potential to become a key trade gateway and we are proud to support Syria’s re-entry into regional and global markets.
Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, commented that modernizing the Port of Tartus will not only strengthen the trade capacity but also contribute to national economic growth and job creation.
Its strategic location complements existing maritime corridors through the Bosporus and the Suez Canal. The port’s redevelopment will support a wide range of cargo operations, including containers, breakbulk, roll-on/roll-off, and general cargo.
As part of its broader vision, DP World will also explore the development of free zones, inland logistics hubs, and regional transit corridors in collaboration with local stakeholders, contributing to Syria’s economic diversification and integration into the global trading system.
The Port of Tartus initiative expands DP World’s footprint in the Middle East and aligns with its mission to foster sustainable economic growth through trade.
