UN/LOCODE: SYLTK📍 Syrian Arab Republic
Port of Latakia (UN/LOCODE SYLTK)
❖ Coordinates: 35.5200°N, 35.7800°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Damascus
❖ UN/LOCODE: SYLTK
## About the Port
### Location and Geographic Setting
The Port of **Latakia** (UN/LOCODE: **SYLTK**) sits on the eastern Mediterranean coast of the Syrian Arab Republic, within the Latakia Governorate. Positioned at **35.52° N, 35.78° E** and operating on **Asia/Damascus** time (UTC +2/UTC +3 DST), the harbour lies at the mouth of the **Ariha (Orontes) River** and is protected by a natural bay that offers shelter from prevailing westerly winds. Its proximity to the **Latakia International Airport** (approximately 12 km inland) and the major highway network (M4 and M5 motorways) makes it a logistical hub for both maritime and over‑land freight movements.
### Operational Profile
Latakia is Syria’s principal **deep‑water seaport** and the only facility on the Mediterranean capable of handling containerized, bulk, and general cargo. The port remains under the jurisdiction of the **Syrian Ministry of Transport**, which maintains a 24‑hour operational schedule, with peak traffic occurring between 0600 – 1800 local time. Vessel traffic is monitored through an integrated **Vessel Traffic Service (VTS)** that coordinates arrivals, anchorage, and pilotage in compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards.
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## History
### Early Maritime Role
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Latakia harbour has been active since antiquity, serving as a critical node for **Phoenician** and later **Roman** trade across the eastern Mediterranean. The natural deep basin facilitated the export of timber, olives, and wine, linking inland Syria with markets in **Alexandria**, **Carthage**, and the Levantine coast.
### Modern Developments
In the **mid‑20th century**, the Syrian government embarked on a systematic expansion of the port to meet post‑independence economic ambitions. The first modern quay was completed in **1962**, followed by the construction of two additional berths in the 1970s, each equipped with **hydraulic cranes** capable of handling up to **30 t** lift capacity. The 1990s saw the introduction of container handling equipment, including **Rail‑Mounted Gantry (RMG) cranes**, enabling the port to join the **global container network**. Recent upgrades (2015‑2022) have increased the **draft** to **14 m**, allowing Panamax‑size vessels to call, and have introduced **electronic data interchange (EDI)** systems for customs clearance, aligning Latakia with international best practices.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Terminals and Berths
- **General Cargo Terminal**: 4 berths, total quay length **2,400 m**, equipped with **30 t gantry cranes** and **30 t forklifts**.
- **Container Terminal**: 2 berths, **1,200 m** of quay, fitted with **2 RMG cranes**, **four RTG (Rubber‑Tyred Gantry) cranes**, and a **20,000 m²** container yard offering **18,000 TEU** storage capacity.
- **Oil & Bulk Terminal**: 2 deep‑water berths (draft 12 m), featuring **gravity-fed pipelines** for **fuel oil, diesel, and LPG**, plus **grain elevators** capable of handling **3 Mt** per year.
The port maintains **12 m** of **dredged channel width**, with a **turning basin** of **400 m** diameter, enabling simultaneous maneuvering of two Panamax vessels.
### Navigational Aids and Support Services
Latakia’s navigational infrastructure includes a **Category I lighthouse**, **differential GPS (DGPS)** stations, and **Automatic Identification System (AIS)** repeaters that broadcast real‑time vessel positions. The port operates a **pilotage service** (mandatory for vessels > 5,000 GT) and provides **tugboat assistance** via a fleet of **four** high‑power tugs (bollard pull > 30 t).
Ancillary facilities comprise a **customs processing building**, a **free‑zone warehouse complex**, **cold‑storage silos** for perishable goods, and a **ship‑repair yard** equipped with a **dry dock** (length 120 m, width 18 m).
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## Economic Importance
### National Economic Role
As Syria’s gateway to the Mediterranean, the Port of Latakia accounts for **approximately 85 %** of the country’s seaborne trade volume. In 2022, total cargo throughput reached **13.4 Mt**, generating **$1.8 bn** in revenue for the Ministry of Transport and supporting **over 12,000** direct and indirect jobs. The port’s container operations enable an estimated **200,000 TEU** of imports and exports annually, covering critical commodities such as **machinery, finished goods, and automotive parts**.
### Regional Development Impact
Latakia’s hinterland links to the **Aleppo–Damascus corridor**, facilitating the movement of agricultural products from the fertile **Idlib** and **Hama** governorates to European markets. The port’s free‑zone status attracts foreign investment, particularly in **textile processing**, **pharmaceutical assembly**, and **logistics services**. By providing a reliable maritime entry point, Latakia underpins Syria’s participation in regional initiatives such as the **Arab Mediterranean Initiative** and the **Greater Arab Free Trade Area (GAFTA)**.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Primary Trade Lanes
- **North‑East Mediterranean**: Regular liner services to **Turkey (Mersin, Istanbul)** and **Greece (Piraeus, Thessaloniki)**, supporting intra‑regional cargo exchange.
- **Western Europe**: Direct calls by container ships to **Italy (Trieste, Genoa)**, **Spain (Algeciras)**, and **France (Marseille)**, primarily for the import of consumer goods and the export of Syrian agricultural produce.
- **Middle East & South‑Asia**: Feeder vessels connect Latakia to **UAE (Jebel Ali)** and **India (Mumbai)**, handling bulk commodities such as **fertilizer, steel billets, and petrochemicals**.
These routes are serviced by both **regular liner operators** (e.g., MSC, CMA CGM) and **charter vessels** managed by regional shipping houses.
### Cargo Types and Volumes
| Cargo Category | Approx. 2022 Volume | Key Commodities |
|----------------|---------------------|-----------------|
| **Containerized Goods** | 200,000 TEU | Electronics, automobiles, textiles |
| **Dry Bulk** | 5.6 Mt | Grain, cement, fertilizers |
| **Liquid Bulk** | 3.2 Mt | Fuel oil, diesel, LPG |
| **General Cargo** | 4.1 Mt | Construction materials, timber, steel products |
| **Perishable/Cold‑Chain** | 0.5 Mt | Fresh fruit, seafood, dairy |
The port’s diversified cargo mix reflects its role as a **multi‑modal hub**, handling everything from **high‑value containerized products** to **low‑value bulk commodities**. Continuous investment in **electrified crane systems** and **digital customs platforms** is expected to raise throughput by **10‑15 %** over the next five years.
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*For detailed port statistics and operational updates, see the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) port database and the official **World Port Source entry for Latakia↗**.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
SYLTK
Country
Syrian Arab Republic
Province / Region
Latakia Governorate
Latitude
35.520000
Longitude
35.780000
Timezone
Asia/Damascus
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Latakia?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Latakia is SYLTK.
Where is Port of Latakia located?
The Port of Latakia is located in Syrian Arab Republic, Latakia Governorate. Its coordinates are 35.5200°N, 35.7800°E.
What time zone is Port of Latakia in?
Port of Latakia operates in the Asia/Damascus time zone.
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.
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