The port of Tripoli has reached a historic milestone by welcoming the CMA CGM Eugénie, a container ship over 360 meters long, capable of carrying an average of 15,000 containers. For Lebanon's second-largest port, the arrival of a vessel of this size marks a significant shift. Tripoli can now accommodate ships previously reserved for the region's most advanced port facilities.
A complex maneuver, prepared over months
The operation was anything but improvised. According to Iskandar Bandali, chairman of the board of directors of the Port of Tripoli, several months of preparation and training were necessary to carry out the maneuver safely. The objective was twofold: to successfully dock a very large vessel and to demonstrate that the port can operate according to international standards. The success of this operation therefore validates the human, technical, and organizational capabilities of the site.
Tripoli gains logistical credibility
This exceptional arrival confirms the growing importance of the port of Tripoli. Long overshadowed by Beirut, the northern port is now seeking to establish itself as a credible logistics platform for Lebanese and regional businesses. Charlie Darazi emphasized that this development offers companies in North Lebanon a leading logistics optionFor industrialists, importers and exporters in the region, the stakes are concrete: to reduce dependence on Beirut, shorten certain supply chains and strengthen the economic attractiveness of the North.
Beirut remains in the lead, but Tripoli is accelerating
The port of Beirut maintains a clear advantage. Despite the destruction caused by the explosion of August 4, 2020, it still possesses significant infrastructure, including 16 giant cranes and a terminal capable of accommodating containers of 18,000 TEUThe figures confirm this discrepancy. In 2025, Beirut hosted 6,45 million tonnes of freight, up by 19%Tripoli, for its part, dealt 2,35 million tonnes, with a progression of 21%.
CMA CGM at the heart of the new port balance
CMA CGM plays a central role in this development. The group manages the container terminals of the country's two main ports: Tripoli since 2021 and Beirut since 2022. This dual presence now structures Lebanese port activity. It allows for a better distribution of cargo flows, while strengthening the country's capacity to accommodate large commercial vessels.
Northern Lebanon finally has its map
The arrival of the CMA CGM Eugénie gives Tripoli a powerful advantage. The port is no longer merely a secondary infrastructure; it is becoming a strategic tool for the economic development of the North. The battle with Beirut is far from over. Moreover, it is not solely about volume, but also about reliability, speed, costs, capacity, and the confidence of operators. With this operation, Tripoli proves that it can accommodate world-class vessels. For North Lebanon, it is more than a successful port call: it is a new beginning.
