Shipping Arabia, October 25, 2026 – Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) at Syria’s Port of Latakia has received six fifth-generation rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes as part of an extensive modernization program undertaken in partnership with CMA CGM Group. The new equipment is intended to expand container-handling capacity, improve operational efficiency and support growing maritime shipping and trade activity.
The delivery represents another step in the Latakia container terminal modernization program, which includes upgrades to operational infrastructure, container berths, storage yards and cargo-handling equipment.
The improvements form part of broader efforts led by Syria’s General Authority for Borders and Customs to modernize national ports, strengthen their competitiveness and enhance their role in regional and international maritime trade.
Six New RTG Cranes to Improve Container Handling and Yard Capacity
The six newly delivered RTG cranes feature fifth-generation technology designed to improve container-handling operations and increase productivity within the terminal.
The equipment is expected to enhance container stacking and storage efficiency while allowing the terminal to make better use of its available yard space. These improvements will support higher container storage capacity and more organized cargo movements across the facility.
The additional cranes are also intended to accelerate container-handling processes, support faster loading and unloading operations and reduce truck waiting times.
By improving the movement and organization of containers within the terminal, the equipment will contribute to more efficient logistics operations and better utilization of the terminal’s operational resources.
The delivery comes as LICT experiences increasing demand for container-handling and logistics services, reinforcing the need for continued investment in modern equipment and additional operational capacity.
Latakia Container Terminal Modernization Covers Berths, Yards and Equipment
The arrival of the RTG cranes forms part of a wider infrastructure and equipment modernization program at Latakia International Container Terminal.
The program includes rehabilitating operational infrastructure, developing container-handling berths and upgrading storage yards. It also covers the modernization of gantry cranes, heavy cargo-handling machinery and other technical and service equipment.
These improvements aim to strengthen the terminal’s ability to handle increasing container volumes while optimizing the use of available space, machinery and operational resources.
Another priority is improving berth readiness to accommodate vessel calls and enhancing the performance of equipment used for cargo loading and unloading.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, the modernization program addresses internal container transport and traffic management procedures. The objective is to organize cargo movements more efficiently and reduce operational delays within the terminal.
The development plan also emphasizes stronger coordination between technical and administrative departments to improve terminal operating procedures.
Together, these measures are intended to accelerate container turnaround, improve cargo flow and enhance service quality for shipping lines, freight operators, importers and exporters.
CMA CGM Partnership Supports Terminal Capacity Expansion
The Latakia container terminal modernization program is being implemented within the framework of cooperation with CMA CGM Group.
The partnership supports efforts to modernize cargo-handling equipment and operational infrastructure in response to increasing maritime transport and trade activity.
The ongoing development work reflects the need to expand terminal capacity and improve operational readiness as container-handling requirements continue to grow.
A key objective is to ensure the terminal can manage vessel and container movements efficiently while preparing for anticipated increases in commercial activity.
The modernization efforts therefore combine investment in new equipment with improvements to existing infrastructure, operational procedures and terminal organization.
These measures aim to create a more efficient container-handling environment and strengthen the services available to the terminal’s maritime and logistics customers.
Syria Seeks to Strengthen Port Competitiveness and Maritime Trade
The ongoing improvements at Latakia International Container Terminal align with the General Authority for Borders and Customs’ strategic direction for developing Syria’s ports and modernizing their infrastructure in accordance with international operational standards.
The Authority’s approach emphasizes cooperation with international companies specializing in container terminal management and operations.
Through such partnerships, Syria aims to improve the competitiveness of its ports and strengthen their ability to support maritime trade and logistics activities.
The development of Latakia’s container facilities is also intended to reinforce the port’s position as a major gateway for the country’s maritime imports and exports.
In addition, the modernization program seeks to improve the efficiency of supply chains and support Syria’s integration into regional and international transport and trade networks.
The delivery of the six new RTG cranes represents a further component of these efforts, supporting the continued expansion of Latakia International Container Terminal’s operational capabilities and its readiness to accommodate future growth in maritime trade.
Source: General Authority for Borders and Customs – Syria
