Shipping Arabia, September 29, 2026 – Port of Beirut Chairman and General Manager Marwan M. Naffi has called for stronger Port of Beirut regional integration with neighboring ports and inland trade corridors, saying greater connectivity could expand transit and logistics opportunities across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Jordan and the wider region.
Naffi made the remarks during the Lebanese-Syrian Investment Forum 2026, where he participated in a session focused on developing the transport sector, strengthening land, maritime and air connectivity, and improving logistics services.
He said closer integration between ports represents both a necessity and an opportunity as regional transport networks and trade corridors continue to evolve.
Cooperation Between Beirut, Tripoli, Tartous and Latakia
Naffi highlighted the importance of cooperation and complementary roles between the ports of Beirut and Tripoli in Lebanon and Tartous and Latakia in Syria.
He also emphasized the need to connect these ports with inland transport corridors and markets in Syria, Iraq, Jordan and the wider region.
According to Naffi, changes affecting the transport sector and the reshaping of trade corridors create an important opportunity for Lebanon and Syria to strengthen their position within regional trade routes.
He stressed that the strength of a port depends not only on its physical size or the cost of its services. Its ability to integrate into a broader network of ports, transport corridors and markets is also a central factor in its competitiveness and role within regional trade.
Port of Beirut Sees Complementary Regional Role
Naffi said the Port of Beirut views its role as complementary to that of other regional ports rather than isolated from them.
Greater integration of port services and stronger connectivity between ports, corridors and markets could provide more options for cargo flows and regional trade movements.
He said this approach could also improve the region’s capacity to attract transit traffic and logistics activity by creating a more connected transport and port network.
The concept of Port of Beirut regional integration therefore extends beyond maritime links alone, with inland corridors playing a central role in connecting ports with regional markets.
Container Terminal Expansion to Support Larger Volumes
Naffi also discussed the Port of Beirut container terminal expansion project and its role in strengthening the port’s future capacity.
He said the project will improve the port’s ability to handle larger container volumes while supporting its position within a wider regional port network.
The expansion is also intended to reinforce the Port of Beirut’s role in serving trade flows involving Lebanon, Syria and the broader region.
By combining additional container handling capacity with stronger port and inland connectivity, the Port of Beirut is positioning its development within a wider vision based on regional integration, transit activity and logistics services.
Source: Port of Beirut
