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AD Ports buys into Syria’s Latakia terminal in CMA CGM deal
AD Ports Group has expanded its Eastern Mediterranean presence by securing a 20% stake in Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT) — Syria’s primary container gateway — through a new agreement with France’s CMA CGM Group. The deal, valued at AED 81 million (USD 22 million), positions AD Ports alongside CMA CGM in managing and upgrading the terminal, which handles over 95% of Syria’s containerized trade, including agricultural exports, consumer goods, and industrial cargo.
Strengthening a Key Eastern Mediterranean Gateway
CMA Terminals, a CMA CGM subsidiary, has operated LICT since 2009 and recently renewed its 30-year concession. Current capacity stands at around 250,000 TEU, with expansion plans to nearly 625,000 TEU by 2026.
The renewed partnership aims to modernize operations and enhance the region’s trade connectivity—an important move as sea freight corridors across the East Med continue to grow in relevance.
AD Ports said the collaboration will focus on:
- Upgrading port infrastructure
- Deploying advanced digital and automation systems
- Increasing berth productivity and yard efficiency
- Improving service reliability for importers and exporters
These enhancements are designed to restore Latakia’s position as a resilient maritime hub and strengthen sea freight flows between the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
Part of a Growing Global Alliance
The Latakia investment builds on a rapidly expanding relationship between AD Ports Group and CMA CGM.
Key milestones include:
- 2024: Launch of CMA Terminals Khalifa Port — an $845 million JV terminal in Abu Dhabi
- 2025: Signing of a shareholder agreement to jointly develop the New East Mole Terminal in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo
- Joint initiatives across container handling, digitalization, and logistics integration
This latest move further deepens their cooperation in regional transshipment and port development.
New Services to Support Sea Freight Growth
AD Ports’ feeder arm, GFS (Global Feeder Shipping), is planning new East Mediterranean routes that will include Latakia. The new services are expected to:
- Expand regional sea freight connectivity
- Support Syrian export markets
- Improve transshipment flows between the Red Sea, Gulf, and the Mediterranean
- Provide more capacity for shippers moving cargo through the Levant
As trade networks continue to shift due to geopolitical events, modernized terminals such as LICT are expected to play a larger role in stabilizing regional sea freight operations.
Industry Commentary
“We are pleased to broaden our long-standing partnership with CMA CGM,” said Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group. “This agreement supports our shared vision of enabling long-term economic growth and strengthening trade across the region.”
