LATAKIA

• SYLTK
• Latitude: 35.5319
• Longitude: 35.7548
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Syria

Location: Syria

Latakia is a significant port city located on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. It serves as a vital maritime gateway for the country, playing a crucial role in trade, transportation, and logistics. Below is an overview and specifications of the Port of Latakia:

General Overview

1. Location:

   • Latitude: 35° 31' N
   • Longitude: 35° 46' E
   • Situated in the city of Latakia, the capital of the Latakia Governorate.

2. Function:

   • The Port of Latakia is Syria's largest and most important port.
   • Handles a wide range of cargo including general cargo, dry bulk, and containers.

3. History:

   • Historically, Latakia has been an important trade hub since ancient times.
   • Modern port facilities have been developed to accommodate contemporary shipping needs.

Port Specifications

1. Facilities:

   • Container Terminals: Well-equipped for handling containerized cargo.
   • General Cargo Terminals: For handling break-bulk cargo, raw materials, and project cargo.
   • Bulk Terminals: For commodities like grain and other dry bulk items.
   • Passenger Terminals: Accommodates ferry services and cruise ships.

2. Berths:

   • The port has multiple berths, each designed for different types of cargo. The depths and lengths of these berths vary to accommodate different vessel sizes.

3. Infrastructure:

   • Warehousing: Sufficient warehousing facilities for storage.
   • Cranes and Handling Equipment: Modern cranes, including gantry cranes for container handling, mobile cranes, and forklifts.
   • Transport Links: Well connected to national road and rail networks for efficient inland transport.

4. Capacity:

   • The port has substantial capacity to handle significant volumes of cargo.
   • Continuous development work ensures the port meets increasing demands and modern shipping standards.

5. Depth at Berth:

   • Varies across different berths, generally adequate for handling large cargo vessels.
   • Dredging operations are conducted periodically to maintain navigability.

6. Security and Customs:

   • Complies with international security standards such as ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code.
   • Equipped with customs and immigration facilities to streamline the import and export process.

7. Support Services:

   • Availability of bunkering (fuel supply), fresh water supply, vessel repair, and maintenance services.
   • Highly trained personnel and technical support for efficient port operations.

Additional Information:

• Port Authority: The port is overseen by the General Directorate of Syrian Ports, which ensures the regulation and operation of port activities.
• Development Plans: Ongoing modernization and expansion projects are in place to enhance capacity and operational efficiency.

Strategic Importance:

• Latakia serves as a critical hub for Syria’s import and export activities, essential for the country’s economy.
• Its strategic location on the Mediterranean makes it a key point for regional and international maritime routes.

Conclusion:

Latakia is not only a vital port for Syria but also a significant player in the region's maritime industry. The combination of modern facilities, comprehensive services, and strategic location make it an essential component of Syria's trade infrastructure. Continuous development efforts are vital to maintaining its role and efficiency in global shipping and trade networks.