PARIS (Reuters) – French container transport group CMA CGM is pursuing a plan to rebuild the port of Beirut inside three years, regardless of the political impasse in Lebanon that has prevented choices on the port since an explosion final August , mentioned an organization government.

A chemical explosion within the port killed 200 folks and destroyed whole neighborhoods, exacerbating Lebanon’s worst political and financial disaster because the 1975-1990 civil battle.

CMA CGM’s plan, first introduced to the Lebanese authorities in September, requires the reconstruction of broken docks and warehouses, in addition to port growth and digitization, at a complete price estimated between $ 400 and $ 600 million. , mentioned Joe Dakkak, Managing Director of CMA CGM Lebanon. the Saturday.

“Our supply stays on the desk,” he advised Reuters. “Our challenge is lifelike as a result of the state of affairs is pressing.”

German firms on Friday introduced a separate multibillion-dollar plan to rebuild the port of Beirut and neighboring districts, confirming an earlier Reuters report.

Dakkak mentioned the German initiative was extra targeted on longer-term actual property improvement, however that CMA CGM could be prepared to contribute to the port a part of this challenge if invited.

CMA CGM is managed by the Franco-Lebanese Saade household and the group joined French President Emmanuel Macron in reduction efforts in Beirut following the explosion final summer time.

The French authorities will not be a part of CMA CGM’s reconstruction plan, Dakkak mentioned, including that French firms and monetary establishments have proven curiosity and that the Lebanese state will play a task by means of a public-private partnership.

Along with devastating the majority part of the Port of Beirut, final yr’s explosion destroyed tools within the container terminal. This doubled the wait time for ships, including to long-standing inefficiencies on the port, in keeping with Dakkak.

CMA CGM is the main maritime operator of the port of Beirut, accounting for 60% of the volumes, and stays a candidate in partnership with the Swiss firm MSC for the concession to function the container terminal, mentioned Dakkak.

It was introduced {that a} tender for the operation of the container terminal, blocked by the political disaster, could be relaunched in two weeks, he added.