AD Ports Group has struck a deal with France’s CMA CGM Group to acquire a 20% stake in Latakia International Container Terminal (LICT), Syria’s main container facility, for AED 81m ($22m).
Under the agreement, the Abu Dhabi-based ports and logistics group will join CMA CGM in the management and future expansion of the terminal, which handles over 95% of Syria’s container traffic, including agricultural exports and industrial goods.
CMA Terminals, a CMA CGM subsidiary, has operated LICT since 2009 and earlier this year signed an amended 30-year concession agreement. Current annual capacity stands at around 250,000 teu, with expansion plans to lift throughput to 625,000 teu by 2026.
AD Ports said the partnership will focus on modernising infrastructure, upgrading digital systems and improving operational efficiency, with the aim of restoring Latakia’s position as a key Eastern Mediterranean gateway.
“We are pleased to broaden our long-standing partnership with CMA CGM Group,” said Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, managing director and Group CEO of AD Ports, adding: “This strategic agreement reflects the growing collaboration between our organisations and supports the region’s long-term trade and economic growth.”
The move builds on a deepening alliance between the two groups. In December 2024, the duo inaugurated CMA Terminals Khalifa Port, an $845m joint venture terminal in Abu Dhabi, followed by a shareholders’ agreement in February 2025 to jointly develop the New East Mole terminal in Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo.
AD Ports’ feeder shipping arm, GFS, is also planning new East Mediterranean services that would include calls at Latakia.
