DP World begins operations at Tartus Port under $800 million modernisation plan

Dubai: DP World has officially commenced operations at Tartus Port following a formal handover from the Syrian General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, marking the start of an extensive $800 million modernisation programme.

The company also announced the arrival of a new harbour tug, Al Fath, and the appointment of Fahad Al Banna as CEO of DP World Tartus.

30-year deal

The launch represents a key milestone in DP World’s 30-year concession agreement with the Syrian government. The initiative aims to transform Tartus into a modern, high-capacity maritime and logistics hub to support Syria’s post-war economic recovery and strengthen trade links across the Eastern Mediterranean.

The investment, one of the largest by an international logistics company in Syria in recent years, will focus on infrastructure renewal, digital integration, and operational efficiency.

Port upgrade

DP World has started a comprehensive assessment of the port’s facilities, including quays, yards, warehouses, and equipment. The company plans to dredge access channels and berths to restore optimal depths and replace or rehabilitate outdated handling machinery.

In the near term, the focus will be on:

• Dredging and basin rehabilitation.

• Introducing modern cargo-handling equipment.

• Deploying DP World’s proprietary digital systems to improve transparency and efficiency.

• Conducting staff training and safety audits to meet international operational standards.

Medium-term development will include expanding cargo handling and storage capacity, introducing new bulk and breakbulk facilities, and investing in containerised infrastructure to handle future trade volumes.

New tug vessel

The 22-metre Al Fath tug has entered service to support vessel movements within Tartus Port. Equipped with a 50-tonne bollard pull and class-rated firefighting systems, the tug will improve berthing safety and reduce ship turnaround times, aligning operations with international port standards.

Fahad Al Banna has been appointed CEO of DP World Tartus. A veteran of DP World since 2005, Al Banna previously served as Senior Vice President of Container Operations at Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. He played a key role in the development of Container Terminal 4 and in the rollout of digital and automation systems across DP World’s global network.

Al Banna will lead the Tartus modernisation strategy, overseeing infrastructure upgrades, operational reforms, and workforce development.

“It is an honour to take on this responsibility at such an important moment in Syria’s history,” Al Banna said. “Working with the Syrian Port Authority, we are confident that redeveloping Tartus Port will boost economic recovery, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s trade connectivity.”

The Tartus Port project is central to DP World’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean. Once completed, the upgraded port is expected to play a major role in facilitating regional trade and supporting Syria’s reintegration into global supply chains.