ZAHRANI

• LBZHR
• Latitude: 33.512
• Longitude: 35.3448
• East Mediterranean
• Port in Lebanon

Location: Saida South Governorate 1600 Lebanon

Zahrani Port Description and Specifications

Location:

• Country: Lebanon
• Region: Near Sidon (Saida) in the southern part of Lebanon on the Mediterranean coast
• Coordinates: Approximately 33.5°N latitude and 35.4°E longitude

Overview: Zahrani Port, also known as Al-Zahrani Terminal, is primarily an oil and fuel terminal located along Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast. It serves as an import terminal for petroleum products and supports the Zahrani Refinery, one of the few refineries in Lebanon. The port's infrastructure is mainly tailored to handle liquid bulk cargo, specifically oil and related products.

Specifications:

1. Primary Functions:

   • Import and export of petroleum products.
   • Storage and distribution of fuels.
   • Servicing tanker vessels.

2. Facilities and Infrastructure:

   • Berths: Multiple berths for tanker operations.
     • Accommodates various sizes of tanker vessels.
     • Equipped with advanced mooring systems.
   • Storage: Extensive storage facilities for petroleum and fuel products.
     • Modern storage tanks with significant capacity.

3. Depth:

   • Channel Depth: Approximately 11-13 meters, suitable for medium to large-sized tankers.
   • Berth Depth: Similar to channel depth, ensuring the safe berthing of tank vessels.

4. Navigation:

   • Easily accessible via the Mediterranean Sea.
   • Well-marked navigational routes leading to the port.
   • Aids to navigation are present to assist vessels in maneuvering safely into the terminal.

5. Operational Details:

   • Cargo Handled: Primarily liquid bulk (petroleum, oil, and lubricants).
   • Annual Throughput: Varies based on demand and capacity of storage facilities.

6. Regulations and Safety:

   • Complies with international maritime safety standards.
   • Rigorous safety protocols for handling petroleum products.
   • Emergency response mechanisms in place for spill control and fire prevention.

Economic and Strategic Importance:

• The Zahrani Port plays a crucial role in Lebanon’s energy sector.
• Supports national infrastructure by ensuring a steady supply of petroleum products.
• Contributes to local and regional economies by facilitating the importation and distribution of energy resources.

Environmental Considerations:

• Efforts are undertaken to minimize environmental impact by adhering to environmental regulations.
• Port operations incorporate measures to prevent ocean pollution and manage port area sanitation.

Connectivity:

• Well-connected to the inland infrastructure of Lebanon, including roads leading to major cities such as Beirut and Sidon.
• Provides integration with storage and handling facilities in the hinterland.

Future Prospects:

• Potential for expansion to increase capacity and accommodate a larger volume of imports.
• Upgrading of facilities to enhance efficiency and safety.

Conclusion

Zahrani Port is a key energy hub in Lebanon, with specialized infrastructure for the import, storage, and distribution of petroleum products. Its strategic location and operational capacity make it vital for Lebanon’s energy security and economic stability.