Tartus Adds Fourth Berth
Syria's principal Mediterranean cargo port at Tartus has brought its fourth berth into operation, a move officials say raises the facility's capacity to receive ships and handle different types of cargo. The step was made public on 9 August 2026 as Syrian authorities took over civilian management of the port.
The director of international relations at the General Authority for Borders and Customs, Mazen Alloush, described the berth's activation as "a qualitative step that enhances operational capacity" and the port's ability to receive vessels.
Quay Specifications
The new berth stretches 630 meters and offers a variable draft ranging from 10 meters on its eastern side to 13.20 meters on its western side, allowing it to accommodate larger vessels. It sits alongside the port's fifth berth, which is designated for roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic.
According to the figures released, the berth can receive three large vessels at the same time, with combined loads reaching 55,000 tons.
Easing Port Congestion
Officials expect the added capacity to reduce ship congestion and ease pressure on the port's other facilities. Faster loading and unloading, higher cargo-handling rates, and shorter waiting times for vessels were cited among the anticipated gains.
The variable draft is intended to let the quay take in larger ships alongside the vessels the existing berths already serve.
From Military to Civilian Use
The berth's commissioning coincides with a broader transfer of control at Tartus. Under a memorandum of understanding on military bases, Syrian authorities are assuming management of civilian sites, including the commercial quay at Tartus and Hmeimim airport on the coast.
Trade Along the Coast
Tartus is a main gateway for Syria's seaborne trade, and its handling capacity bears directly on the flow of imports and exports through the country's western coast. Shorter waiting times for vessels reduce the period goods spend at the quayside before moving on.