READY TO RETURN

Speaking at the ceremony, Singapore Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Ann Margaret Mathew said: “We are eager to see the completion of the EMH-2 Terminal and its ability to accommodate much larger container vessels such as the MSC Ditte. In a period of trade tensions due to global issues, we see MIP continuing to contribute to strengthening economic development links and a robust global supply chain. This investment is a symbol of PSA’s commitment to MIP’s future. It also demonstrates Singapore’s confidence in Türkiye’s long-term growth prospects.”

Cyprus is also in line for upgrades to its port offerings. Vassiliko secured nearly €19m in EU funding for expansion, modernisation, and clean energy transition which would see its annual capacity reach nearly 1,800 ships. The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works described the upgraded port as “evolving into a cornerstone of geostrategic importance for Cyprus and the wider region, combining commercial, energy, military, and environmental potential within an ambitious yet realistic plan with a European dimension.”

Limassol, meanwhile, should be getting provision for onshore power. In the summer of 2025, the Cyprus Ports Authority announced a contract with DBA to study setting up shoreside power in Limassol’s New Port in terms of its technical, economic and environmental aspects, and the required infrastructure changes, again with the help of EU funding.

The CPA said: “The Cyprus Ports Authority, in the context of its mission to continuously upgrade port infrastructure and enhance environmental sustainability, considers the implementation of the OPS as a key tool for achieving the climate objectives of the country and the European Union.”

Shore power provision is of particular interest to cruise lines looking to cut their emissions; similar installation in Valletta last year has seen MSC, amongst others, touting its advantages, and the EU’s “Fit for 55” plan requires all “essential” European ports to have it by 2030.

Cyprus has also seen expansion in the local bunker industry in the closing stages of the year and the promise of renewed trade through Suez, with Island Oil adding a second tanker to its bunkering operations and Singapore-based Uni-Fuels opening its first European office in Limassol.

And if – which may be a big “if” – the situation in one of Cyprus’ near-neighbours can remain steady, it could be that the island’s bunkerers might see a fresh source of passing trade in the long term. Syria remains a country deeply scarred by war a year after the fall of the Assad regime, and while the government of Ahmed Al-Sharaa has brought some stability and an end to international sanctions, the battered country needs investment and solid foundations for the future if it’s to rebuild and to see its internal tensions ease properly.

July’s news that DP World had signed a 30-year deal worth US$800m in total to develop, modernise and operate its second-largest port of Tartus, was therefore hugely welcome. DP’s stated ambition at the time of inking the deal was to “upgrade the port’s infrastructure and position it as a critical regional trade hub connecting Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.” The project will include new infrastructure, advanced cargo-handling equipment, and digital systems to improve efficiency across the port’s container and general cargo terminals, and will enable Tartus to handle general cargo, containers, breakbulk, and ro-ro traffic.

DP World group CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem said: “This agreement reflects our long-term commitment to enabling global trade and creating resilient supply chains. We see strong potential in Tartus to serve as a vital trade gateway and look forward to strengthening regional connectivity and economic opportunity through this investment. We believe in the power of trade to help drive long-term stability and prosperity for Syria and the region.”

Qutaiba Ahmed Badawi, Chairman of Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, said: “This agreement marks an important step forward for the Port of Tartus and Syria’s maritime sector. Partnering with DP World will allow us to modernise and strengthen the efficiency of our trade infrastructure as we continue to rebuild key trade lanes, support the national economy and provide more opportunities for the Syrian people. The agreement reflects our shared vision to transform Tartus into a strategic gateway linking Syria with regional and international markets and it will pave the way for sustainable growth for years to come.”

At the time of writing some months later, the project has advanced as far as appointing a port CEO, Fahad Al Banna, ex-container ops VP at Jebel Ali, bringing a new tug into service and launching into what DP World refers to as “a comprehensive assessment of the port’s infrastructure including equipment, quay readiness and yard and warehouse facilities. This phase includes technical surveys, operational studies and design planning to develop a detailed redevelopment roadmap.”

In the immediate term, the focus will be on dredging port access channels, basins and berths to achieve optimal design depths. Along with the rehabilitation and replacement of existing handling equipment, together with the introduction of new specialised assets, these works will enable the port to meet growing demand for bulk and breakbulk cargo as Syria slowly rebuilds.

In the medium term, the redevelopment programme will include upgrading port infrastructure and superstructure, expanding handling and storage capacity and investing in bulk handling systems as well as new containerised and non-containerised facilities.

DP World says these initiatives will position Tartus Port as a “key maritime and logistics hub” in the Eastern Mediterranean, “supporting both regional and international trade flows and contributing significantly

Image Caption: Piraeus has held steady, thanks in part to its cruise business. Image Credit: Piraeus Ports Authority

09/02/2026