DP World’s 30-year concession agreement at the Port of Tartus, which includes a planned investment of up to AED 3 billion (US$800 million)

Syria :  ( Report ) Iyead Khalil 

DP World announced the start of its operations at the port of Tartus following the official handover from the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, and welcomed the entry into service of the new port tug, named “Al-Fath”.

This step represents a major milestone in DP World’s 30-year concession agreement at the Port of Tartus, which includes a planned investment of up to AED 3 billion (US$800 million), one of the largest foreign investments in Syria’s logistics sector in recent years. The concession agreement is designed to support Syria’s economic recovery and transform Tartus into a highly efficient trade and logistics hub.

A world-class maritime gateway.

Fahd Al-Banna, CEO of DP World Tartous, said: “We have embarked on a journey to transform the port of Tartous into a world-class maritime gateway. Through close cooperation with the Syrian government and the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, we are committed to applying DP World’s global expertise to build a modern, digitally advanced port that enhances trade, provides opportunities, and consolidates Tartous’s position as a major commercial hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region.”

Current and Future Development Plans

DP World is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the port's infrastructure, including equipment, berth readiness, and yard and warehouse facilities. This initial phase includes technical surveys, operational studies, and design planning to develop a detailed roadmap for redevelopment.

In the near term, work will focus on deepening the marine access channels, basins, and berths to achieve optimal design depths. Upgrading and replacing existing handling equipment, along with the introduction of new specialized assets, will enable the port to meet the growing demand for bulk and general cargo.

DP World will deploy its own advanced digital platforms to enhance operational efficiency and transparency. Simultaneously, employee training and process improvement programs will be implemented to boost productivity and reduce vessel waiting times to meet global standards. Within this framework, DP World prioritizes the highest safety standards across all port operations. Comprehensive safety audits and specialized training programs are being conducted.

Tartus Port as a pivotal maritime and logistics hub in the Eastern Med

In the medium term, the redevelopment program will include upgrading the port's infrastructure and superstructure, expanding handling and storage capacities, investing in advanced bulk cargo handling systems, and constructing new container and bulk cargo facilities.

These initiatives will enhance the position of Tartus Port as a pivotal maritime and logistics hub in the Eastern Mediterranean region, supporting regional and global trade flows and contributing effectively to reconstruction and economic recovery efforts in Syria.

Abu Dhabi Ports in Latakia

On November 6, 2025, Abu Dhabi Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics, announced the signing of a shareholders’ agreement with CMA CGM Group, a leading global shipping and logistics company, to acquire a 20% stake in Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) in Syria for AED 81 million (approximately USD 22 million).

LICT is Syria’s main maritime gateway

LICT is Syria’s main maritime gateway, handling more than 95% of the country’s containerized cargo, particularly agricultural and industrial products.The agreement was signed in Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, and Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group.

.A future built on strengthening our alliances and forging robust partnerships 

On this occasion, Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, said: “We are delighted to expand our collaboration with our strategic partner, CMA CGM Group. This agreement reflects the growth momentum of our business and underscores our strong international partnerships with key stakeholders, further solidifying Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s role as a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics. Guided by the vision and directives of our wise leadership, we will continue to shape a future built on strengthening our alliances and forging robust partnerships with leading global entities like CMA CGM Group, thereby achieving mutual benefits and expanding our international presence and operations.”

Modernizing the station’s infrastructure

This new partnership will contribute to modernizing the station’s infrastructure, upgrading its digital systems, and increasing its operational efficiency, thereby enhancing Latakia’s position as a major trade gateway for Syria and the Eastern Mediterranean region, and contributing to boosting trade and sustainable economic growth in the region.

CMA Terminals

CMA Terminals has been operating the Latakia International Container Terminal since 2009 and signed an amended 30-year concession agreement last May. The terminal currently has a capacity of 250,000 TEUs, with plans to increase this to 625,000 TEUs by the end of 2026.. In addition, GFS, 51% owned by Abu Dhabi Ports Group and specializing in regional container shipping services, is preparing to offer regional container shipping services in the Eastern Mediterranean region, including the port of Latakia.

New partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and CMA CGM Group

This new partnership between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and CMA CGM Group is part of a series of collaborations between the two companies. In December 2024, His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, a joint venture between CMA Terminals, a subsidiary of CMA CGM Group, which holds a 70% stake, and Abu Dhabi Ports Group, which holds the remaining 30%.

Following this, in February 2025, the two parties signed a shareholders' agreement for the development, management, and operation of the New East Mall multipurpose terminal in Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo.

Related : CMA CGM investment into Syria’s maritime

CMA CGM to Invest in Latakia Container Terminal

The Syrian government and the French CMA CGM Group signed a partnership agreement in early May. This agreement represents a strategic shift in the management and operation of Syrian ports, aiming to modernize infrastructure and enhance port efficiency according to international standards. The contract stipulates an investment of €230 million over 30 years, including a direct investment of €30 million in the first year, followed by additional investments of up to €200 million over the next four years.. The agreement also includes the construction of a new 1.5-kilometer-long, 17-meter-deep quay, enabling the port to accommodate mega-ships that were previously inaccessible.

What are the latest developments?

This contract represents the first publicly announced strategic partnership between the Syrian government and a major international company since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's regime last December.

However, this is not the first time the French company CMA CGM has operated the container terminal in Latakia. It previously operated there under a contract signed in 2009 as part of the Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) company, established in partnership with Syria Holding Company.

The previous contract stipulated investments not exceeding $50 million over 10 years and included maintenance and infrastructure rehabilitation work at the port.

A new agreement with CMA CGM 

Last February, the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports announced a new agreement with CMA CGM to operate the container terminal at the port of Latakia. In its statement, the Authority explained that "an agreement was reached to settle all outstanding debts between the two parties from the previous contract and to conclude a new contract for operating the terminal according to new terms and mechanisms." 

The fundamental difference between the current contract and its predecessor,

Regarding the fundamental difference between the current contract and its predecessor, he explained that "the environment in which the 2009 contract was signed did not provide any stable investment conditions. There was a lack of governance and transparency, not to mention the security and political turmoil that subsequently plagued Syria."

"Today, however, we are dealing with a partnership based on a modern investment model, grounded in professional management, direct capital injections, and the transfer of advanced operating technologies used in the world's leading ports."

He added that CMA CGM's investments "will be used to develop and renovate the infrastructure and superstructure of the Port of Latakia, in addition to maintaining and upgrading the berths, and replacing or modernizing existing equipment in accordance with international standards. This will enhance the efficiency of container management, expedite handling operations, and improve the port's competitiveness at the regional level."

A "fair and transparent profit-sharing formula

The contract includes a "fair and transparent profit-sharing formula," whereby the state begins with a progressive share of the profits that increases as the number of containers handled increases, reaching up to 70% of net profits, with the company receiving 30%. Dry Ports

The General Authority for Land and Sea Ports also signed a memorandum of understanding with CMA CGM on May 23 to establish and operate dry ports in the Syrian-Jordanian Joint Free Zone and the Adra Free Zone in the Damascus countryside, as part of a plan to enhance commercial transport and logistics infrastructure in the country.

Accelerating Operations and Launching the Second Phase

The Syrian government and the French CMA CGM Group agreed to launch the second phase of the Latakia port development project, in addition to establishing dry ports and developing mechanisms for transporting goods.

The agreement was announced following a meeting between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and a delegation from the CMA CGM Group, headed by its Chairman of the Board, Rodolphe Jacques Saadé, at the People's Palace in Damascus.

According to a statement published by the Syrian Presidency on its official channels, both sides emphasized the need to expedite the implementation of the second phase of the agreement signed between the company and the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, which stipulates the construction of a new berth at the port of Latakia. 

The two sides also agreed to move towards adopting dry ports and developing mechanisms for transporting goods through Damascus International Airport, as part of a comprehensive plan to improve Syria's logistics infrastructure.

New Operational Equipment

The first shipment of modern operational equipment arrived at the port of Latakia, within the framework of the agreement signed between the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and the French company CMA CGM.

This step, the first since 2009, comes as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at modernizing the port and equipping it with the latest operational equipment.

The shipment included six flat-bottom containers containing three main components for high-tech "Reach Stacker" cranes, manufactured by the Finnish company Konkrens, which specializes in port equipment, in addition to three other containers containing spare parts and equipment necessary for operating and maintaining these cranes, ensuring their continued operation.

This step represents the actual launch of the comprehensive modernization project at the port of Latakia, and the new equipment will contribute to accelerating loading and unloading operations, and increasing the port’s capacity to handle a larger volume of shipments, thus enhancing its role as an advanced logistics center that provides quality services to maritime trade.

Three global investments ,  Syrian maritime sector ,,port of Tartus , Finnish company Konkrens,DP World,  port of Latakia , CMA CGM., The Syrian government  , Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports , Abu Dhabi Ports