Syrian ports have recorded a sharp increase in maritime transport since the end of 2024 – following the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad regime. The authorities are continuing infrastructure improvement and equipment modernization works aimed at strengthening the role of the ports as regional trade gateways.
Sea-news.az reports that, according to data recently released by Syria’s General Directorate of Borders and Customs, the ports of Latakia and Tartus handled a total of 945 vessels and transported approximately 8 million metric tons of cargo during the first six months of the year.
The port of Tartus held the largest share of maritime transport, receiving 551 vessels since the beginning of the year. The total cargo processed at the port reached approximately 5 million metric tons, of which 3.9 million metric tons were imports and 1.1 million metric tons were exports. This highlights the port’s renewed role as Syria’s primary maritime gateway for domestic trade and regional transit.
At the port of Latakia, approximately 2.86 million metric tons of cargo were transported, of which 1.365 million metric tons were carried in containers. Around 171,000 containers were processed over the six-month period.
According to the authority, the growth has been accompanied by simplified customs procedures, measures to facilitate imports and exports, the expansion of transit operations, and the introduction of modern equipment that enhances operational efficiency.
