Global port management company DP World announced last month that it was installing three mobile port cranes at Syria’s Mediterranean port of Tartus, the latest milestone in a 30-year deal with the Syrian government to refurbish and operate the facility.
Dubai-based DP World signed a 30-year build, operate and transfer (BOT) concession agreement with the Syrian government in July 2025 to develop and operate the port. The agreement calls for DP World to invest $800 million in the port and its operations over the 30-year period.
“This milestone represents much more than the delivery of new equipment. It reflects our long-term commitment to support Syria’s economic recovery by rebuilding critical commercial infrastructure,” Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus, said in a statement issued by the company. “A modern port lowers the cost of doing business, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs,” he added.
The modernization program includes infrastructure improvements, renewal of quay walls, dredging, new cargo handling equipment, digital technologies and operational improvements, as well as investment in training and skills development, DP World told ENR this week.
“In addition to the three mobile harbor cranes that have already been delivered, the publicly announced plans include forklifts and stackers, nine additional light mobile harbor cranes during 2027 and early 2028, and a new quay crane planned for 2028,” Adal Mirza, vice president of Group Media Relations, told ENR.
Port reconstruction key to recovery effort
From March 2011 to December 2024, a civil war raged in Syria, which destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure. While DP World did not comment on the state of the port when it was handed over by the Syrian Ports Authority in November 2025, Mirza said: “the port is operational today” and that DP World is carrying out an investment program that is “progressively improving its infrastructure, equipment, capacity and operational efficiency, with the joint ambition of developing the port of Tartus to become a key country and hinterland of Syria.”
The installation of the three MHCs is expected to increase the port’s cargo handling capacity by 40%, a DP World statement said. The cranes will enable faster turnaround of vessels, improved operational efficiency and greater handling of containerized, bulk and bulk cargo.
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DP World’s investment is expected to have a significant impact on Syria’s economic recovery efforts. The installation of new trade infrastructure will improve the resilience of the country’s supply chain, thereby strengthening the foundations for long-term economic growth, DP World said.
DP World’s role under the concession is to develop and operate the port of Tartus, with the investment program focused on modernizing the port’s infrastructure, equipment, technology and operations, according to Mirza.
Over the next few years, the investment program will include dredging works to deepen the harbor and accommodate larger ships, renovating the quay walls, deploying additional cargo handling equipment, introducing digital technologies and continuing to develop the local workforce.
“We are exploring opportunities beyond the immediate port footprint, including logistics zones, inland freight hubs and transit corridors in collaboration with local stakeholders,” Mirza said. “At present, we have not announced specific plans for warehouses as part of the current port modernization program. Advanced digital systems and technologies are, however, part of the investment program.”
