Beirut Port Launches $100 Million Expansion
Beirut Port Launches $100 Million Expansion
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Key Points
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The expansion is centered on Berth 16, which has a draft of more than 16.5 meters, a quay extending roughly 1.1 kilometers and 16 quay cranes.
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Beirut Port handled about 950,000 TEUs in 2025 and expects throughput to surpass 1 million TEUs this year, indicating that current volumes are already approaching the terminal’s existing limits.
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CMA CGM’s terminal-management role is tied to a 10-year contract that began in March 2022 after an international public tender, according to the company.
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Prime Minister Nawaf Salam described the project as “opening a new window onto the world for Lebanon” and linked it to the longer-term goal of making Beirut one of the Mediterranean’s key ports.
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The launch ceremony brought together senior Lebanese officials including Finance Minister Yassine Jaber and Economy Minister Amer Bisat, in addition to the prime minister, transport minister and CMA CGM chief executive Rodolphe Saadé.
Beirut Port has launched a $100 million expansion of its container terminal, backed by shipping giant CMA CGM, that will more than double annual capacity from 1.2–1.3 million to roughly 2.8–3 million TEUs by 2028 Container News. The project marks a major bet on Lebanon's recovery and aims to restore Beirut as a key Mediterranean logistics hub after years of economic crisis.
The 18-month expansion will add cargo-handling equipment, expand yard space by roughly 30 hectares, and improve customs inspection capabilities Daily Beirut. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it "opening a new window onto the world for Lebanon," signaling the government's hopes that the terminal will attract foreign investment and create jobs.
Current Terminal Already Near Capacity Limits
Beirut Port handled 950,000 TEUs in 2025 and expects to exceed 1 million TEUs this year, pushing the existing terminal close to its maximum Business News Lebanon. The facility's main berth — Berth 16 — has a draft over 16.5 meters and extends roughly 1.1 kilometers with 16 quay cranes. Rising volumes show strong demand but also urgent need for expansion.
Doubling Capacity With New Infrastructure and Equipment
The expansion centers on Berth 16 and will nearly double the yard area from 45 to 75 hectares Daily Beirut. The project adds a feeder-vessel quay, new scanners and inspection facilities, and more energy-efficient cargo-handling cranes. These upgrades allow the terminal to move containers faster and handle larger ships.
CMA CGM's Long-Term Commitment Under 10-Year Contract
CMA CGM is operating the terminal under a 10-year concession that began in March 2022 after an international public tender CMA CGM Group. The French shipping line has committed major capital to improve the facility. This long-term arrangement gives the company incentive to invest heavily and build Beirut back into a regional transshipment powerhouse.
International Support Signals Confidence in Lebanon's Recovery
The expansion drew top Lebanese officials including Prime Minister Salam, Finance Minister Yassine Jaber, and Economy Minister Amer Bisat, plus CMA CGM CEO Rodolphe Saadé CMA CGM Group. France's ambassador to Lebanon, Patrick Doury, also attended the foundation-stone ceremony on September 10, expressing confidence in the project. The international turnout reflects hopes that Beirut can rebuild its role as a major Eastern Mediterranean port.
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