Posted on August 27, 2025
French shipping and logistics company CMA CGM has decided to accelerate the second phase of the Latakia Port expansion project in Syria, following a meeting in Damascus between the company’s Chairman and CEO, Rodolphe Saadé, and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa.
The upcoming phase represents a €200 million strategic commitment and builds on the initial €30 million investment. CMA CGM highlighted that the new phase is intended to strengthen the role of Latakia Port as a regional trade hub while contributing to Syria’s economic recovery.
Under a renewed 30-year concession agreement signed on May 1, 2025, CMA CGM will continue to operate and redevelop Syria’s main international container terminal. The company stated that the planned investment will bring substantial improvements to port capacity and efficiency.
Key elements of the €200 million development include expanding the terminal to handle over 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually, modernizing operations through digital platforms and advanced cargo-handling systems, and upgrading infrastructure to accommodate larger vessels with a draft of up to 16 meters. In addition, new equipment will be installed to enhance productivity and operational performance.
The project also includes improving connectivity with road and rail networks to support efficient cargo movement, as well as the establishment and operation of dry ports across Syria as part of CMA CGM’s wider global logistics development strategy.
The decision comes as part of broader efforts to expand Syria’s port infrastructure. In July, UAE-based logistics company DP World signed a 30-year concession agreement with Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports to develop and manage the Port of Tartus. DP World plans to invest $800 million over the course of the concession to upgrade facilities and position Tartus as an important regional trade hub linking Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
With CMA CGM’s accelerated investment in Latakia and DP World’s long-term commitment in Tartus, Syria’s two main international ports are set to undergo major transformations aimed at boosting trade capacity and efficiency. Together, these projects highlight the growing focus on modernizing port infrastructure to meet rising global logistics demands.
By combining large-scale investment, digitalization, and expanded connectivity, the Latakia Port expansion is expected to enhance its competitiveness in the region. CMA CGM emphasized that the renewed concession and increased investment reflect its long-term confidence in the potential of Latakia as a key logistics hub.
The developments in Latakia and Tartus indicate a new phase of international investment in Syria’s maritime infrastructure, with significant funding allocated to upgrade operations, improve connectivity, and strengthen trade flows across multiple regions.
