Global port operator DP World has officially begun operations at Syria’s Tartus Port under a landmark 30-year concession agreement, launching an ambitious $800 million plan to modernise the facility and transform it into a major regional trade hub, reports Port News.
The agreement marks one of the largest foreign investments in Syria’s infrastructure sector since the country’s prolonged conflict, signaling a renewed effort to rebuild and re-establish vital trade links.
Build-Operate-Transfer model
Under the 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer model, DP World will manage, develop, and expand Tartus Port, implementing a broad programme of infrastructure upgrades. These include the construction of new quays, dredging of access channels, installation of advanced cargo-handling systems, and the digitalisation of port operations. The plan also calls for expanded container, general cargo, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) capacity, designed to accommodate larger vessels and increase the port’s overall efficiency.
Tartus Port, located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, is the country’s second-largest maritime facility and serves as a strategic gateway between Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Its redevelopment represents a crucial step in rebuilding Syria’s trade infrastructure, which has suffered from years of conflict and under-investment. For DP World, the project strengthens its global footprint and reinforces its commitment to enhancing supply-chain resilience and regional connectivity.
Initial activities at the port include technical surveys, operational assessments, and dredging to deepen berths and access channels. DP World also plans to introduce modern handling equipment, deploy digital platforms for container and cargo management, and train local staff to international operational standards. Over the medium and long term, the company aims to develop adjacent free zones and logistics hubs, improving hinterland connectivity and enabling Tartus to serve as a key transit point for regional trade.
Economically, the agreement comes at a pivotal moment for Syria as it seeks to attract foreign investment and rebuild its economy. The modernisation of Tartus Port is expected to boost trade, create jobs, and stimulate surrounding industries. It also carries geopolitical implications, as renewed maritime activity could reintegrate Syria into broader regional and global trade networks.
However, challenges remain. Ongoing security concerns, sanctions, and regulatory hurdles could complicate the pace and scale of development. The success of the project will depend on stable conditions, transparent governance, and sustained capital investment over the full concession period. Moreover, to become competitive with major Mediterranean ports, Tartus will need to secure strong connections with shipping networks, inland logistics corridors, and regional markets.
The launch of DP World’s operations at Tartus Port marks an important milestone for Syria’s maritime infrastructure and for the global logistics company’s expansion strategy. If the project achieves its goals, Tartus could emerge as a modern, efficient gateway linking Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa—serving not only as a catalyst for Syria’s economic revival but also as a symbol of regional trade renewal.
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Source: Port News
