The normalization of (also maritime) relations of post-Assad Syria continues with a new return. Last October 4th, the Grimaldi ship Grande Sicilia entered the port of Latakia, after a seven-year absence of the Neapolitan company from the port. A video made by the Syrian state authority for maritime and land ports shows the disembarkation of several vehicles, including cars, vans, trucks, and tracked work vehicles.
An operation – commented the same authority which reports to the Arab Republic of Syria, now under the leadership of Ahmad al-Shara’ – that follows the end of Western sanctions and reflects “the growing confidence in Syrian ports and their logistical readiness”. According to the public relations officer of the port of Latakia, Ali Adra, the recent measures to simplify customs and unloading procedures have already led to an increase in traffic in recent months.
In detail, the port, according to the Sanaa news agency, has welcomed more than 330 ships since the beginning of the year, thanks to simplified procedures and new equipment installed as part of an agreement with Cma Cgm. In the days following the arrival of the Grande Sicilia, the authority also reported the docking of the bulk carrier Prince Hadi, with a cargo of 24 thousand tons of animal feed.
As for the French group, active in Latakia since 2009, last May it signed a new agreement for the thirty-year renewal of a concession for the port’s container terminal, the main one in the country, with a commitment to invest 230 million euros, of which, according to some sources, the first 30 only in the first year.
F.M.
