Beirut Port Signs New Partnership to Boost Strategic Role

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport announced that under the patronage and presence of French Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot, and with the participation of Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rassamni, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Beirut Port and Marseille Fos Port in the city of Marseille. The agreement, signed by Marwan Naffi, Chairman and General Manager of Beirut Port, and Vass Hervé Martel, Chairman of Marseille Fos Port, establishes a new phase of institutional cooperation and commercial and technical partnership aimed at strengthening Beirut Port’s strategic position in the Mediterranean basin.

The signing ceremony included the presence of Christophe Castaner, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Marseille Fos Port; Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of the CMA CGM Group; representatives from vital port sectors and official and local French authorities; as well as Lebanon’s Ambassador to France, Rabih Chaer, and Lebanon’s Consul General and General Coordinator in Marseille, Ralph Matar.

The Ministry of Public Works and Transport stated that the three-year memorandum aims to develop the relationship between the two ports and reorganize cooperation areas to modernize operational processes at Beirut Port. It also seeks to enhance joint work in commercial development, technical cooperation, innovation, and energy transition. The agreement encourages commercial flows and their development between the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly Lebanon, and Europe through joint initiatives for commercial promotion and opportunity exploration. It further aims to strengthen cooperation in maritime connection services, logistics, transport systems, digitalization, emission reduction, and decarbonization of port activities.

In his speech, Minister Fayez Rassamni expressed pride in being in Marseille, a city with a special place in Mediterranean history, linked to Lebanon by deep and longstanding relations. He described the signing of the memorandum as a new milestone in the relationship between the large maritime port of Marseille and Beirut Port, emphasizing that it goes beyond a mere agreement to reflect a shared ambition to build a practical, sustainable, and forward-looking partnership.

Rassamni noted that Lebanon is currently engaged in reconstruction and infrastructure modernization, with a clear goal to make Beirut Port more modern, efficient, transparent, and fully integrated into major international trade networks. He identified Marseille, with its operational expertise and strategic vision, as a natural partner to accompany this transformation. Both parties look forward to developing trade exchanges, enhancing capabilities, encouraging innovation, and exploring opportunities offered by new economic corridors linking the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and Europe, particularly through initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC).

He added that the strengthened cooperation today extends beyond the two ports to the bonds of friendship between France and Lebanon. The Lebanese government is determined to implement necessary reforms and develop infrastructure that meets the highest international standards. He stressed that Beirut Port must regain its status as a key logistical platform serving Lebanon, the region, and international partners.

Rassamni thanked Marseille’s large maritime port, its chairman, management, and all employees for the trust placed in Beirut Port and for their commitment and spirit of cooperation. He also acknowledged everyone involved in preparing and bringing the agreement to fruition. He expressed confidence that the partnership will yield tangible results, create new economic opportunities, and further strengthen cooperation ties between the two countries.

He concluded by stating, “Let us make the Mediterranean, together, not a boundary that separates us but a bridge that connects our peoples, economies, and aspirations.”

In line with expanding cooperation fields, Beirut Port received an official proposal from Marseille Fos Port to participate in discussions of the global economic “IMEC Ports Club,” launched last May as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among port authorities along this corridor.

The memorandum also emphasizes integrating port activities within their urban surroundings, based on the complementary relationship between the city and the port. Through exchanging expertise and experiences, both sides aim to develop waterfront and port areas and enhance the integration of projects related to the two ports within the urban fabric to ensure community acceptance and support.

Following the signing ceremony, Minister Rassamni and his accompanying delegation visited the TANGRAM Innovation Center of the CMA CGM Group, where they reviewed its operations, programs, and approaches in innovation and developing solutions related to transport and logistics sectors.

Rassamni concluded his visit with a series of meetings with Rodolphe Saadé, Chairman and CEO of CMA CGM Group, and several group officials, in the presence of Ambassador Chaer and Consul Matar. The discussions focused on prospects for cooperation in maritime transport, logistics services, port development, and ways to enhance the partnership between Lebanon and the group.