DP World to develop Syria's Tartus Port under 30-year deal

DP World has entered into a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus on Syria's Mediterranean Sea coast.

As part of the agreement, DP World will invest US$800 million over the duration of the concession to upgrade the port’s infrastructure and position it as a regional trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

Structured as a build-operate-transfer model and fully owned by DP World, the project will include new infrastructure, advanced cargo handling equipment, and digital systems to improve efficiency across the port’s container and general cargo terminals.

"We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World.

"We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region."

"Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people," added Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria's General Authority for Land and Sea Ports.

DP World said the redevelopment will enable Tartus to handle general cargo, containers, breakbulk cargo, and Ro-Ro traffic to expand Syria’s trade potential as the country continues to rebuild following years of conflict.

DP World will also explore opportunities to develop free zones, inland logistics hubs, and transit corridors in partnership with local stakeholders, supporting economic diversification and trade facilitation efforts.