The contract will last for 25 years and start with an initial investment of over USD 60M in new equipment and machinery, including three ship-to-shore gantry cranes, nine yard cranes and the latest technology in other container handlers and yard management systems.
The contract is part of a full infrastructure investment project for the surrounding area that will see many millions of dollars invested from both private and government sources, Gulftainer stated.
The new Gulftainer Terminal will be able to accommodate some of the largest container vessels operating in the eastern Mediterranean. Gulftainer added that it will alleviate congestion at the Port of Beirut and provide an alternative to the beleaguered ports of Tartous and Latakia in Syria.
Gulftainer managing director Peter Richards said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been awarded the concession to manage the port of Tripoli and are now anxious to begin developing a strong partnership with the Port Authority. We will be investing substantial resources and efforts into establishing what is required to improve performance levels and bring new business to the region. Gulftainer will take the lead with a partnership approach with our global customers, in an effort to improve efficiencies in the supply chain."