Dubai Ports World, known as DP World, has formalized a thirty-year concession agreement with the Syrian General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, which is aimed at the enhancement and operation of the Tartous Port.
Under the terms of this agreement, DP World plans to invest $800 million over the duration of the concession to comprehensively upgrade the port’s infrastructure and establish it as a vital regional trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
The agreement was signed in the capital city of Damascus in the presence of President Ahmad al-Sharah of the Syrian Arab Republic, with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, and Quteiba Ahmed Badawi, head of the Syrian General Authority for Land and Maritime Ports, present.
After more than a decade of conflict and a significant lack of long-term investment in trade infrastructure, the redevelopment of Tartous Port stands as a crucial step towards reintegrating the Syrian economy.
This initiative adopts a build-operate-transfer model and will be wholly owned by DP World. The project entails a comprehensive upgrade plan that includes developing new and advanced infrastructure, supplying modern cargo handling equipment, and integrating advanced digital systems. These improvements aim to enhance operational efficiency for both container and general cargo terminals within the port.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem stated, “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to facilitating global trade and building resilient supply chains. We see significant potential in Tartous Port to serve as a vibrant trade gateway, and we look forward to enhancing regional connectivity and economic opportunities through this investment. At DP World, we strongly believe in the role of trade in promoting stability and long-term prosperity for Syria and the surrounding region.”
Quteiba Ahmed Badawi added, “This agreement marks a significant milestone in the development of Tartous Port and the enhancement of Syria’s maritime transport sector. Our partnership with DP World will enable us to modernize trade infrastructure and increase its efficiency, aligning with our ongoing efforts to restore vital trade routes, support the national economy, and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people. This agreement embodies our shared vision of transforming Tartous Port into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and paves the way for sustainable growth in the coming years.”
Strategically located along the Syrian coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, Tartous Port is the second largest port in the country and serves as a major maritime gateway for trade routes connecting Europe, the Levant, and North Africa. This advantageous location significantly enhances regional connectivity, complementing existing trade routes through the Bosphorus Strait and the Suez Canal.
Through the extensive redevelopment process, Tartous Port will be equipped to handle a variety of cargo types, including general goods, containers, bulk cargo, and roll-on/roll-off goods. This efficient development is expected to expand Syria’s trade capabilities and support its ongoing reconstruction and development efforts.
DP World will also explore new investment opportunities in close collaboration with local partners to develop free trade zones, advanced logistics centers, and strategic transit corridors. These initiatives aim to support broad economic diversification efforts and facilitate trade movement at a larger scale.
It is noteworthy that DP World has a presence in over 75 countries, handling 9.2% of the global container traffic through its ports and terminals. With this leading position, DP World brings over four decades of expertise in developing global logistics infrastructure. The Tartous project is set to be a significant addition to its expanding portfolio, complementing its existing strategic operations in the Middle East.