DP World delivers $800m Tartous port upgrade to boost capacity 40%

DP World has delivered three new Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) to the Port of Tartous in Syria, marking a major phase in a US$800 million modernisation programme. The new equipment is expected to increase the port's cargo-handling capacity by approximately 40%, according to an announcement on Tuesday, 18 August. Boosting Trade Capacity The delivery is part of a 30-year concession agreement to develop and operate the Mediterranean facility. The new cranes allow for faster vessel turnaround times and improved efficiency across containerised, bulk, and breakbulk cargo segments. Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartous, stated that the investment aims to rebuild critical trade infrastructure and reduce the overall cost of doing business in the region. Mohammad Shihab, Executive Vice President for DP World Egypt and the Levant, noted that the port serves as a strategic gateway connecting Syria to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye. The project is designed to reduce supply chain bottlenecks and provide reliable market access for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Infrastructure Timelines and Dredging The modernisation schedule includes the deployment of forklift trucks and reach stackers later in 2026. This will be followed by nine additional light-duty mobile harbour cranes during 2027 and early 2028, with a new quay crane scheduled for delivery in 2028. DP World confirmed it will soon begin dredging works to deepen the harbour to accommodate larger vessels. Refurbishment…