A plan for the reconstruction of the Port of Beirut (PoB) was recently unveiled by France. The development ofthe reconstruction plan was funded by the French government and was recently presented by two Frenchengineering firms: Artelia and Egis.  In details, the plan focuses on the rebuilding of damages quays and docks along with the reorganization of  PoB’s layout in order to streamline traffic. Additionally, the facility will be shifted towards solar energy usage.  However, the plan did not tackle the issue of PoB’s grain silos, which absorbed most of the explosion’s shock,  as their removal or rebuilding has been a topic of controversy.  The reconstruction effort will require funding of between US$ 60 million and US$ 80 million to be completed.  This amount is set to be used from PoB’s revenues. This comes as revenues within the port have been slowly  rising again following a slump during the pandemic and the economic crisis to reach US$ 150 million in  2023, as per the General Director of the PoB.  It is worth noting that a number of proposals for the reconstruction and redevelopment of the port  were given. This includes a plan put forward by a group of German companies in 2021 suggesting the  redevelopment of the port along with new commercial and residential developments. Additionally, in  2022, the French shipping conglomerate CMA CGM Group won a 10-year contract for the operating of PoB’s  container terminal.  According to the Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister, the operation for the reconstruction of the port has  resumed. This resumption will not interfere with the investigation efforts into the August 4th explosion.  Additionally, the implementation of the reconstruction project will start as soon as possible whether through  foreign contributions or revenues generated by the port itself. (ICE BEIRUT)

Fonte notizia: Bank Audi, Lebanon Weekly Monitor, 18 - 24 Mar 2024