DP World has begun operating Tartus Port following a handover from the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports and introduced the new harbour tug Al Fath into service, the company said in a news release.
The start of operations marks a key stage in DP World’s 30-year concession for Tartus Port, which includes a planned $800 million investment, one of the largest foreign commitments in Syria’s logistics sector in recent years.
The concession aims to help rebuild Syria’s economy and transform Tartus into an efficient regional trade hub.
DP World Tartus CEO Fahad Al Banna said: “We have embarked on a journey to transform Tartus Port into a world-class maritime gateway. Working closely with the Syrian government and General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, we are committed to applying DP World’s global expertise to build a modern and digitally-enabled port that will grow trade, create opportunities and firmly position Tartus as a key trade hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.”
The new 22-metre harbour tug Al Fath, equipped with 50-tonne bollard pull and firefighting water cannons, will enhance safety and vessel handling efficiency.
DP World is currently assessing the port’s infrastructure, equipment, and facilities as part of a technical review to design a redevelopment plan. Immediate work will include dredging, rehabilitation of handling equipment and the addition of new assets to handle bulk and breakbulk cargo.
DP World will deploy its digital platforms to increase transparency and efficiency, alongside training programmes to raise productivity and meet international operational standards.
Medium-term plans include upgrading port infrastructure, expanding capacity and installing new bulk and container handling systems. These steps are intended to make Tartus a strategic logistics hub supporting regional and international trade.
Fahad Al Banna, who joined DP World in 2005, previously served as Senior Vice President of Container Operations at Jebel Ali Port. His experience includes managing automation projects and major infrastructure development such as Container Terminal 4 in Jebel Ali. In his new role, Al Banna will oversee Tartus Port’s modernisation and workforce development. “It is an honour to take on this responsibility at such an important moment in Syria’s history,” he said. “We are grateful to the Syrian Port Authority for their support and confident that the redevelopment of Tartus Port will contribute to the country’s economic revival.”
DP World is a multinational logistics and supply chain company headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It operates ports, terminals, and trade infrastructure in more than 60 countries, managing container handling, marine services, and industrial logistics. The company is wholly owned by the Dubai government through Dubai World.
Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports is a state institution under Syria’s Ministry of Transport responsible for managing, regulating and supervising all maritime and port operations within Syrian territory, including Tartus and Latakia ports.
