DP World has officially begun operations at Tartus Port in Syria following a formal handover from the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, marking a major step in the company’s 30-year concession to redevelop the port into a modern logistics hub.
The agreement, valued at $800 million, is among the largest international investments in Syria’s logistics sector in recent years. It aims to boost the country’s economic recovery by transforming Tartus into a key gateway for trade in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus, said the company is committed to applying its global expertise to create a “world-class maritime gateway” that enhances trade, creates jobs, and improves efficiency through modern technology and operational best practices.
As part of the initial phase, DP World has welcomed the new 22-metre harbour tug Al Fath, equipped with firefighting systems and designed to improve vessel safety and manoeuvrability. The company is also conducting a comprehensive infrastructure assessment covering equipment, quay readiness, and warehouse facilities.
Immediate efforts will focus on dredging access channels and upgrading handling equipment to meet growing demand for bulk and breakbulk cargo. DP World also plans to introduce its digital platforms, staff training programs, and safety audits to align operations with international standards.
In the medium term, the redevelopment will expand port capacity, modernise infrastructure, and introduce new handling systems to strengthen Tartus’s role in regional and global trade.
Al Banna, who previously held senior roles at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, said the project represents a vital opportunity to support Syria’s reconstruction and economic revival through sustainable port development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
