CMA CGM still in discussion with Syrian government on Latakia deal
French carrier has run the container terminal at Syria’s main port since 2009
Despite media reports of an agreement between the line and the transitional government, CMA CMA said discussions were ongoing
CONTAINER carrier and terminal operator CMA CGM said it was still engaged in “positive discussions” with the Syrian transitional government about its operation of the country’s largest container port.
The French line has run the container terminal at Latakia since 2009 and renewed its lease for 30 years last year with former dictator Bashar al-Assad’s government.
But the overthrow of the former regime has prompted renegotiation with the interim government that took power in his wake.
Reuters reported earlier this week that Syria’s General Authority for Land and Sea Ports had agreed to a new contract with CMA CGM to operate Latakia.
But CMA CGM told Lloyd’s List that the carrier was still “engaged in positive discussions with the authorities” and expected to offer an update soon.
