Ports and Shipping

So concludes this report on ports and shipping, the fifth of a seven-volume study of Syria"s transport sector. However, the report"s underlying assumption of an average one-shift per day loading rate is only possible if at both ports Syria: (1) implements a new, graduated tariff regime; (2) institutes unitized cargo handling; (3) improves coordination of road and rail transport to and from the ports; (4) improves the use of storage facilities and customs clearance procedures; and (5) develops a manpower training program. While Lattakia and Tartous share common problems, differences in the age and size of the ports require separate analyses. Although Lattakia"s physical plant is basically sound, port efficiency is directly impeded by inadequate equipment to repair cargo handling machinery; the unavailability of spare parts due to their foreign origin or the obsolescence of port machinery; operational slowdowns caused by rapid changes in cargo handling requirements; and the unavailability and poor coordination of land transport to and from the port. To expedite cargo handling, Lattakia should acquire 25,000 new pallets as soon as possible and anticipate rail and road congestion in its expansion plans. The port at Tartous is new and in good condition, enjoys wide aprons between ships and transit sheds, and has equipment that is adequate and in good working order. The port"s rapid growth has, however, led to interruptions in cargo handling due to dirt from construction which irritates workers and necessitates frequent machinery repairs, and haphazard storage of building materials and enforcement of safety requirements. Immediate recommendations are to contain dust from the phosphate conveyor and ship loading systems, acquire road cleaning machinery, and purchase 20,000 pallets as soon as possible for expeditious cargo movement. To rejuvenate its 40-ship merchant fleet, which is at the end of its economic life, Syria should build 35 new ships by the year 2000 and initiate a merchant marine training program.