Container Terminals

Shipping Arabia, November 13, 2026 – The Port of Tripoli expansion in northern Lebanon aims to increase annual container handling capacity from approximately 250,000 TEUs to more than 1.8 million TEUs. The development program includes expanding the existing container terminal, building a second terminal and upgrading port infrastructure to strengthen Tripoli’s position in regional trade and logistics.

Iskandar Bandali, Chairman of the Port of Tripoli, outlined the expansion plans during the Tripoli Economic Development Forum. The event was organized by the Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority under the patronage of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, represented by Information Minister Paul Morcos.

The announcement follows a record month for the port, which handled 18,714 containers in October 2026, according to figures released by the port administration.

Port of Tripoli Expansion to Increase Container Capacity

The first phase of the Port of Tripoli expansion will focus on enlarging the existing container terminal. Once completed, the project is expected to raise the terminal’s annual handling capacity to approximately 800,000 TEUs.

Bandali said the port expects to award the contract for the first phase of the terminal expansion soon, although he did not specify a date.

The longer-term development plan includes constructing a second container terminal. Together, the two terminals would increase the port’s total annual capacity to more than 1.8 million TEUs.

In addition to container handling infrastructure, the modernization program includes upgrading warehouses, logistics facilities, customs inspection equipment and digital systems.

These investments form part of the port administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, modernize services and strengthen the port’s role in trade and logistics activities.

Integration with Tripoli Special Economic Zone and Railway Network

A major component of the development strategy involves closer integration between the Port of Tripoli and the adjacent Tripoli Special Economic Zone.

Bandali announced that the port administration had signed a memorandum of understanding to finance a study covering the economic zone’s operating model, legal and regulatory framework, licensing procedures and one-stop-shop services for investors.

The study aims to support the development of an investment framework that facilitates business activity and strengthens cooperation between the port and the economic zone.

Rail connectivity also forms part of the wider development plans. In cooperation with Lebanon’s Railway and Public Transport Authority, the port administration is financing a study to update the designs for the railway connection between Tripoli and Abboudieh, near the Syrian border.

The study is intended to prepare the railway project for future implementation.

Bandali emphasized the importance of connecting the port and economic zone with the railway network and René Mouawad Airport in Qlayaat, northern Lebanon.

According to Bandali, integrating these facilities could establish a multimodal transport network linking northern Lebanon with regional and international markets through maritime, land and air transport.

The port has also joined the grouping of ports associated with the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and signed the relevant declaration.

The initiative aims to strengthen Tripoli’s presence in international trade networks and support its integration into regional transport and logistics corridors.

International Tender Launched for Industrial and Logistics Center

Meanwhile, the Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority has launched an international tender to develop, manage and operate an industrial and logistics center adjacent to the port.

Hassan Dannawi, Chairman of the Authority, announced that the project would follow a public-private partnership model.

Dannawi also confirmed that the Authority introduced a licensing system and one-stop-shop services in October 2026 to facilitate investor procedures. It has also begun developing the economic zone’s administrative building.

The industrial and logistics center aims to attract investment from Lebanon, other Arab countries and international markets. It also seeks to increase Lebanese exports and strengthen the port’s role in trade, logistics and reconstruction activities.

According to Dannawi, the project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women.

Information Minister Paul Morcos confirmed that Lebanon’s Cabinet had approved the studies related to the industrial and logistics center.

The government also authorized the Tripoli Special Economic Zone Authority to proceed with the qualification process for selecting an international developer and operator.

Morcos explained that activating the economic zone forms part of a broader development vision for northern Lebanon and Akkar.

The vision incorporates several strategic facilities, including the Port of Tripoli, Qlayaat Airport, railway infrastructure, the Rashid Karami International Fair and a proposed oil supply project through northern Lebanon.

He encouraged Lebanese private businesses, expatriates and regional and international partners to invest in the initiative.

Morcos emphasized that the project’s success should be measured through employment creation, participation by local suppliers, lower transport costs and faster access to markets.

United Nations Highlights Investment and Sustainable Development Opportunities

The United Nations also expressed support for the development of Tripoli’s economic potential.

Imran Riza, United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon, highlighted the port, Tripoli’s location, industrial land and young workforce as economic assets that have not yet reached their full potential.

Riza explained that UN support would focus on institutional cooperation, vocational training and green economic development.

The proposed areas of cooperation include renewable energy, water efficiency, waste management and sustainable production.

These priorities align with the forum’s broader discussions on attracting investment, improving infrastructure and supporting economic activity across northern Lebanon.

The event brought together government officials, parliamentarians and representatives of economic, municipal and United Nations institutions.

Participants examined opportunities to strengthen integration between the economic zone, port, airport and transport networks. Discussions also focused on turning Tripoli’s major infrastructure facilities into a coordinated system supporting investment, production and exports.

The Port of Tripoli expansion forms a central part of this development vision, combining increased container handling capacity with improved logistics infrastructure and stronger connections to regional and international markets.

Source: Anadolu Agency

Shipping Arabia, November 1, 2026 – Morocco is advancing two major Mediterranean port developments, with an $825 million Tanger Med expansion planned to increase the complex’s annual container capacity to approximately 20 million TEUs, while the new Nador West Med port prepares to begin operations following $5.5 billion in public and private investment.

The developments were presented during a meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI, which reviewed progress at the Nador West Med port and industrial complex and plans for the third expansion phase of Tanger Med. Both projects form part of Morocco’s strategy to strengthen its port infrastructure, expand maritime and logistics capabilities, and improve its competitiveness within global trade networks.

According to Morocco’s Royal Cabinet, the investments aim to establish an efficient port system capable of responding to changes in global value chains. The strategy also emphasizes supporting regional economic development, creating employment opportunities and increasing the economic value generated in areas surrounding the new infrastructure.

The projects come as Mediterranean ports gain importance amid disruptions affecting strategic shipping routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. These challenges have increased risks to global oil, gas and cargo movements, reinforcing the importance of maritime infrastructure and alternative trade connectivity.

Nador West Med has attracted more than MAD 54 billion ($5.5 billion) in combined public and private investment. The port’s first terminal is expected to enter operation in the coming days, marking a major milestone for the new maritime, industrial and energy complex on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast.

The development combines container handling, fuel storage, liquefied natural gas processing, industrial activities and logistics facilities. Its first container terminal will have an annual capacity of 3.5 million TEUs upon completion, while a second terminal is scheduled to enter service in April 2027 with additional capacity of 1.8 million TEUs.

Together, the two container terminals represent approximately MAD 8 billion ($825 million) in private investment, according to the Royal Cabinet. Their development will expand Morocco’s container handling capabilities and strengthen its infrastructure serving international maritime trade.

Energy infrastructure represents another major component of Nador West Med. The complex includes a fuel terminal with potential storage capacity of 4 million cubic meters, alongside Morocco’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal, designed to process up to 5 billion cubic meters annually.

The LNG facility will enable Morocco to import natural gas from international markets and process it domestically to meet industrial demand and support electricity generation. Combined with the fuel storage facilities, the development will expand the country’s energy handling and storage infrastructure.

Nador West Med will also connect to national railway and highway networks, supporting the integration of maritime operations with inland transport and industrial activities. The project seeks to replicate aspects of Tanger Med’s success in attracting investment and developing integrated port and logistics infrastructure.

Additional facilities include terminals for dry bulk and general cargo, further diversifying the port’s operational capabilities. The associated industrial zone has already entered operation, with one factory currently operating and three others under construction.

Alongside the Nador West Med development, Morocco is preparing a third major expansion of Tanger Med through the planned Tanger Med 3 project, representing approximately MAD 8 billion ($825 million) in investment.

The Tanger Med expansion will include 1,200 meters of quays and provide additional annual container handling capacity of 4.5 million TEUs. A concession agreement has been signed with Maersk-APM for the development of the new container terminal.

The broader investment program also includes expanding passenger port facilities and infrastructure serving international road freight transport. In addition, the plans provide for an eastern extension of Tanger Med 2, further increasing the complex’s capacity and operational infrastructure.

Once these developments are completed, Tanger Med’s total annual container handling capacity is expected to reach approximately 20 million TEUs. According to the Royal Cabinet, this would position the complex among the world’s ten largest ports by capacity.

Tanger Med already holds a leading position in international maritime trade, ranking first among ports in Africa and the Mediterranean, according to the source. Since beginning operations in 2007, it has become one of Morocco’s most significant port infrastructure investments.

Beyond its container terminals, Tanger Med has developed into an integrated industrial and logistics platform, supported by major economic and industrial zones. These facilities include Renault’s largest automotive manufacturing plant in Morocco, alongside other industrial companies producing goods for export to European markets.

The combination of port infrastructure, manufacturing activities and logistics services has supported Tanger Med’s development as a major trade and industrial hub. The planned expansion aims to build on this model by increasing container handling capacity and strengthening the complex’s position in international shipping networks.

Morocco currently operates 44 ports, including 14 serving foreign trade, supported by approximately 3,500 kilometers of coastline. Its geographic position provides maritime connections between Europe, Africa and the Americas, while its Mediterranean facilities also serve shipping routes linking European and Asian markets.

The parallel development of Nador West Med and Tanger Med reflects Morocco’s approach to expanding its maritime infrastructure across several strategic activities. While Tanger Med focuses on increasing container handling capacity and strengthening its established logistics and industrial ecosystem, Nador West Med introduces additional capabilities in energy storage, LNG processing, container operations and industrial development.

Together, the projects form part of the kingdom’s efforts to strengthen its position in maritime trade, attract investment and improve the competitiveness of its port system amid changing global supply chains and disruptions affecting international shipping corridors.

Source: Asharq Business

Shipping Arabia, September 23, 2026 – DP World is set to develop new port terminals at Al Rugaylat and Dibba in Fujairah under an agreement with the Fujairah Ports Authority, expanding cargo-handling capacity along the UAE’s east coast.

The developments will add new capacity for containers, general cargo and roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) traffic while creating approximately 700 direct maritime jobs across the two projects.

At Al Rugaylat, the planned terminal will have an annual container-handling capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, alongside capacity for 1.7 million tonnes of general cargo and 190,000 car equivalent units (CEUs) of RoRo cargo annually.

The Dibba development will focus on general cargo, with planned capacity reaching 3.6 million tonnes per year.

The projects will expand the range and scale of port infrastructure available on the UAE’s east coast, complementing the country’s existing maritime and logistics network and providing additional gateways for international trade.

Fujairah’s location on the Gulf of Oman gives its east coast ports direct access to major shipping routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, making the emirate strategically important within the UAE’s wider maritime and logistics network.

DP World said the new terminals will strengthen the UAE’s global connectivity while providing additional infrastructure to support growing cargo flows.

Once developed, the two facilities will add substantial container, RoRo and general cargo capacity to Fujairah while broadening the UAE’s network of maritime trade gateways.

Source: DP World

Shipping Arabia, September 22, 2026 – CMA Terminals Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi has achieved three international ISO certifications covering quality management, environmental management, and occupational health and safety across its container terminal operations.

The terminal has been certified to ISO 9001:2015 for Quality Management Systems, ISO 14001:2015 for Environmental Management Systems, and ISO 45001:2018 for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.

The certifications were issued by TÜV SÜD Middle East following an audit of CMA Terminals Khalifa L.L.C. and cover container terminal operations at Khalifa Port, including container shipment loading and offloading as well as goods loading and offloading services.

The three standards address key areas of terminal management and operations. ISO 9001 establishes requirements for quality management and consistent service delivery, while ISO 14001 provides a framework for managing environmental responsibilities. ISO 45001 focuses on occupational health and safety management and the control of workplace risks.

According to the certificates, the ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 certifications are valid from September 10, 2026, until September 9, 2029. The ISO 14001 certification is valid from September 10, 2026, until April 14, 2029. The certifications are subject to successful completion of annual surveillance audits.

CMA Terminals Khalifa Port said the achievement reflects its commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, employee health and safety, and continuous improvement across its operations.

The milestone further strengthens the management framework supporting the terminal’s container handling operations at Khalifa Port and its focus on internationally recognised operational standards.

Source: CMA Terminals Khalifa Port

Shipping Arabia, September 22, 2026 – Morocco’s Nador West Med Container Terminal has carried out its first vessel handling operation, marking an important operational milestone for the new Mediterranean port complex as it prepares its workforce and systems for container operations.

The first vessel arrival coincided with the completion of a specialized practical training programme for Moroccan personnel conducted by the Port Training Institute of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT).

Trainees participated directly in the terminal’s inaugural handling operation, applying skills developed during the programme to live container terminal activities. The practical training focused on preparing personnel for the operational requirements of modern container facilities, including crane operations and cargo-handling procedures.

Prof. Alaa Mahmoud Morsi, Dean of the Port Training Institute and Maritime Transport Research and Consultation Center, visited the terminal with Assistant Dean Ehab Hamdy as the programme concluded and the first vessel operation began.

Practical training was supervised by Hisham Hamdy, Head of the Crane Simulators Department, and Mohamed Gamal, Head of the Cranes Unit, with the programme combining technical instruction and operational preparation for container terminal activities.

Terminal management said the trainees demonstrated the ability to apply their training during the live operation, providing an early test of workforce readiness as Nador West Med moves toward wider terminal operations.

The programme forms part of cooperation between AASTMT and the Moroccan terminal to develop specialized port personnel and transfer operational expertise ahead of the facility’s ramp-up.

At the conclusion of the visit, Morsi presented the Port Training Institute shield to Najib Chikhi, CEO of West Med Container Terminal, recognizing the cooperation between the two organizations in delivering the training programme.

The milestone adds an important operational dimension to the development of Nador West Med as a new container and logistics gateway on Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, with trained personnel now participating in live vessel and terminal operations.

Source: Port Training Institute