DP World has officially signed a significant 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to undertake the comprehensive development and operation of the Port of Tartus. This landmark deal, announced on July 13, 2025, signifies a crucial step in Syria’s post-conflict economic recovery and its ambition to re-establish itself as a vital regional trade hub.
Strategic Redevelopment of Tartus Port
The agreement was officially signed in Damascus in the presence of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, and Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, formalized the partnership.
The redevelopment project for Tartus, Syria’s second-largest port and a key maritime gateway on its Mediterranean coast, will span 30 years under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model. Under this model, DP World will finance, build, and operate the port, fully owning the project during the concession period, after which ownership will transfer back to the Syrian government. This comprehensive modernization effort includes:
- New infrastructure: Laying the groundwork for enhanced port operations.
- Advanced cargo-handling equipment: Implementing cutting-edge technology to improve efficiency.
- Digital systems: Introducing modern digital solutions to streamline operations across the port’s container and general cargo terminals.
This significant investment is poised to enable Tartus to handle a diverse range of cargo, including general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic, thereby expanding Syria’s trade potential as the country continues its rebuilding phase.
Driving Economic Reintegration and Connectivity
The agreement underscores DP World’s long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem emphasized the strong potential of Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway, expressing optimism about strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity. He stated, “We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.”
Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, hailed the agreement as a significant step forward for Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector. He noted that partnering with DP World will allow Syria to “modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people.” The deal reflects a shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Located strategically on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartus plays a crucial role in connecting trade routes across Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. Its position enhances regional connectivity, complementing existing routes through the Bosporus and Suez Canal, positioning Syria for greater integration into global trade networks.
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Source: DP World
