Syria invests in CMA CGM-linked box shop at Lattakia Port

SYRIAN Transport Minister Yarub Badr has inaugurated the International Lattakia Port Container Terminal, run by a coalition comprising Marseilles-based CMA CGM, Houston's Terminal Link and the Syria Holding Company.

Mr Badr said the terminal, which covers 33 hectares in the first phase, would contribute to attracting more container lines to the Syrian port, pointing out that the inauguration signals the end of the testing phase for the terminal, reports Syria Arab News Agency (SANA).

Syria Holding Company chairman Haitham Joud said building the infrastructure for the terminal would cost US$6 million alone, with investors planning to spent $46 million on the terminal to handle one million containers in the coming two years.

CMA CGM chairman Jacques Saade said the importance of the project is to improve the efficiency of Lattakia Port and boost its productivity.

He expressed a readiness to increase contribution to the terminal through cooperation with Lattakia Port Department and the Transport Ministry to deepen the draft to allow ships with heavy loads to enter the port.

The container terminal comprises four quays, 120 spaces for reefer boxes, nine cranes and 33 locomotive engines.
(Source:www.schednet.com)