Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has increased its calls to the Tartous International Container Terminal (TICT) in Syria, following its decision earlier this year to use the port as a result of increasing cargo congestion and high port and labour fees at the Port of Lattakia.

MSC to increase calls to ICTSI Syria

“MSC is considered the leading international carrier in Syria in terms of container market share and during the first half of this year has contributed greatly to increasing volumes at TICT,” says Romeo Salvador, TICT general manager and chief executive officer.

Along with another new caller, Russia’s Transcontainer Shipping Line, MSC has joined TICT’s growing client portfolio, which includes CMA CGM, Safmarine, EMES, Hamburg Süd, Sermar Line, CSAV Norasia and Maersk Line, which has upgraded its service to weekly calls.

The terminal posted a 44% increase in container throughput during the first six months of 2009 compared to the same period in 2008.

“We are gearing TICT for increases in volume and vessel calls in the coming months, and expect to surpass our 2008 volumes by the year end. This cargo boost will also be driven by strong growth in Iraqi transit trade,” added Salvador.

TICT recently took delivery of two new Kone quay cranes, which will be commissioned by end of this month (September), to join the two mobile harbour cranes currently in use. The new cranes will enable productivity to significantly improve at 30 moves per hour per crane.