Global port management company DP World announced last month that it is installing three mobile harbor cranes at Syria’s Mediterranean Port of Tartus, the latest milestone in a 30-year agreement with the Syrian government to refurbish and operate the facility.
Dubai-based DP World signed a 30-year build-operate-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 harbor and its operations during the 30-year period.
“This milestone represents much more than the delivery of new equipment. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting Syria’s economic recovery by rebuilding critical trade infrastructure,” Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartus, said in a statement issued by the company. “A modern port reduces the cost of doing business, attracts investment and creates skilled jobs,” he added.
The modernization program includes infrastructure upgrades, refurbishment 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 already delivered, publicly announced plans include forklift trucks and reach stackers, nine additional light-duty mobile harbor cranes during 2027 and early 2028, and a new quay crane planned for 2028,” Adal Mirza, group vice president of media relations, told ENR.
Port Rebuild Key to Recovery Effort
From March 2011 until December 2024, a civil war raged throughout Syria, destroying a large portion of the country’s infrastructure. While DP World did not comment on the port’s condition when it was handed over by the Syrian Port Authority in November 2025, Mirza said “the port is operational today,” and that DP World is pursuing an investment program that is “progressively improving its infrastructure, equipment, capacity and operational efficiency, with the joint ambition to develop Tartus Port to be a key gateway to Syria and the hinterland countries.”
The installation of the three MHCs is expected to increase the port’s cargo-handling capacity by some 40%, a statement from DP World said. The cranes will enable faster vessel turnaround, improved operational efficiency and increased handling of containerized, bulk, and breakbulk cargo.
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DP World’s investment is expected to have a significant impact on Syria’s efforts to make an economic recovery. The installation of new trade infrastructure will improve the country’s supply chain resilience thus strengthening the foundation for longterm economic growth, the company 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 coming years, the investment program will include dredging works to deepen the harbor and accommodate larger vessels, the refurbishment of quay walls, the deployment of additional cargo-handling equipment, the introduction of digital technologies and the continued development of the local workforce.
“We are exploring opportunities beyond the immediate port footprint, including logistics zones, inland freight hubs and transit corridors in partnership 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 do, however, form part of the investment program.”
Source: www.enr.com
