Photo Credit : WAM
DP World has delivered three Mobile Harbour Cranes to the Port of Tartous, marking a major step in its US$800 million programme to modernise the Syrian port and support the country’s economic recovery.
The new cranes are expected to increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity by around 40 percent. They will enable faster vessel turnaround and improve the handling of containerised, bulk and breakbulk cargo.
The delivery forms part of DP World’s 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate the Port of Tartous. The wider programme aims to strengthen Syria’s trade infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience and create a stronger foundation for long-term economic growth.
Planned improvements include dredging the harbour to accommodate larger vessels, refurbishing quay walls, installing additional cargo-handling equipment, introducing digital technologies and developing the skills of the local workforce.
Fahad Al Banna, Chief Executive Officer of DP World Tartous, said the delivery represents more than the arrival of new equipment, reflecting the company’s long-term commitment to rebuilding critical trade infrastructure in Syria.
“A modern port reduces the cost of doing business, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs,” Al Banna said.
Mohammad Shihab, Executive Vice President of DP World for Egypt and the Levant, said Tartous’ location on Syria’s Mediterranean coast gives it the potential to become an important regional trade and logistics gateway.
The port could strengthen Syria’s connections with Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye while supporting trade flows across the Eastern Mediterranean, the Gulf, Europe and North Africa.
Shihab added that the investment is intended to reduce supply chain bottlenecks, improve connectivity and provide businesses with more reliable access to regional and international markets. It is also expected to support the competitiveness of Syria’s manufacturing, agriculture and commercial sectors.
The next phase will include the delivery of forklift trucks and reach stackers later this year. Nine additional light-duty mobile harbour cranes are scheduled to arrive during 2027 and early 2028, followed by a new quay crane in 2028.
DP World will also begin dredging work to deepen the harbour, while the refurbishment of the port’s quay walls is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The improvements will enable Tartous to receive larger vessels, enhance operational safety and efficiency, and reinforce its position as a key gateway for Syria’s expanding trade activities.
