DP World to develop, operate Syrian port in $800m, 30-year deal

Photo credit: DP World

DP World has signed a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and operate the Port of Tartus, according to DP World announcement.

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

Following over a decade of conflict and long-standing underinvestment in trade infrastructure, the redevelopment of Tartus marks an important step in Syria’s economic reintegration.

Structured as a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) 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. 

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, chairman and group CEO of DP World, said: “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. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.”

Located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, Tartus is the country’s second-largest port and a key maritime gateway to trade routes across Europe, the Levant and North Africa.

Its strategic position enhances regional connectivity, complementing existing routes through the Bosporus and Suez.

The redevelopment will enable Tartus to handle general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and roll-on/roll-off traffic, expanding Syria’s trade potential as the country continues to rebuild.

DP World will also explore opportunities to develop free zones, inland logistics hubs, and transit corridors in partnership with local stakeholders.