Lebanese Minister of Public Works and Transport Michael Najjar said on Wednesday the explosion at the Port of Beirut has caused massive damage and destroyed most of the port’s facilities and warehouses.
“CAPACITY OF TWO OTHER PORTS WILL BE EVALUATED”
Speaking to Lebanese local channel LBC, Najjar said the Lebanese authorities have started to set alternative plans for the Beirut port, which will take time to be rebuilt.
“We will depend on the Tripoli port in northern Lebanon, as we are currently evaluating its capacity along with other ports in Sidon and Tyre,” he said.
The Port of Beirut is the largest shipping and clearing point in Lebanon, through which approximately 70% of the incoming and outgoing trade traffic to and from the country passes, according to the port’s website.
The port is located in a strategic area linking the commercial markets of Asia, Europe and Africa, which reduces the duration of commercial navigation voyages compared to other routes. The port has a direct connection with 56 ports on the three continents, while receiving and exporting goods in cooperation with 300 other ports worldwide.