en.Wedoany.com Reported - DP World expects a significant increase in breakbulk cargo throughput at Syria's Tartous Port following the arrival of the first of three new mobile harbor cranes as part of the port's modernization project.

The delivery of the first new crane this week marks a critical phase in the $800 million investment and 30-year concession agreement between DP World and the Syrian government.

Once all three cranes are fully operational, the port's overall handling capacity is expected to increase by approximately 40%. This boost will support growth in breakbulk, bulk, and container cargo throughput while reducing vessel turnaround times and improving operational efficiency.

DP World noted that the upgrade is designed to accommodate anticipated growth in regional trade flows. The breakbulk segment will directly benefit from enhanced berth productivity and handling capacity.

Each crane has an annual handling capacity of approximately 2 million tons. The remaining two cranes are scheduled for delivery by August, forming the first phase of the port's broader modernization plan.

Fahad Al Banna, CEO of DP World Tartous, stated that the arrival of the first crane represents the "first major milestone" in the port's transformation. He added that the investment aims to enhance capacity, efficiency, and reliability to meet Syria's growing trade demands.

The broader modernization plan also includes infrastructure upgrades, digital transformation, and workforce development. Through these efforts, DP World aims to position Tartous Port as a more competitive Mediterranean gateway connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.