The Future of CMA CGM’s Container Terminal Lease in Syria

The landscape of business operations in Syria is shifting as the Islamist group Hay’at Tahrir Al-Sham takes on a new governing role. One significant development is the renegotiation of CMA CGM’s container terminal lease at the port of Latakia, signaling a potential shift in the country’s economic direction.

Back in 2009, CMA CGM secured a contract to manage Latakia’s container terminal during Bashar Al-Assad’s regime. Despite the challenges posed by the civil war and international pressure on Syria, CMA CGM continued to operate the facility. When the initial lease expired in 2019, the French liner renewed it until 2024. Subsequently, the Assad regime offered a further extension until 2054, highlighting the company’s commitment to the region.

While other operators like ICTSI withdrew from their leases in Syria amid the conflict, CMA CGM stood firm, earning favor with the Ministry of Transport. The decision to allow CMA CGM to continue its operations at Latakia reflects a strategic choice by HTS’s ports authority. The revised contract includes updated terms on lease duration and revenue sharing, positioning CMA CGM for a long-term presence in the region.

With the European Union gradually easing sanctions on Syria, opportunities for cross-Mediterranean trade are reemerging. The potential for economic revitalization in a post-conflict Syria is drawing attention from business interests. For CMA CGM, the ties of the Saade family to Latakia add a personal dimension to their continued involvement in the region.

As Syria navigates a complex transition, CMA CGM’s sustained presence at Latakia underscores the company’s resilience and adaptability in challenging environments. The renegotiated lease signals a new chapter in the partnership between CMA CGM and Syria, paving the way for continued collaboration and growth in the years ahead.