Hamburg Port Consulting (HPC), the logistics consultancy for ports, sea, inland terminals, and intermodal rail transport, along with its partners have announced the launch of a new communication platform called “Beirut PortCity Dialogue” for helping the Beirut port and city development.
After the devastating Beirut explosion on 4 August 2020 which severely damaged both the port and surrounding areas, the Covid-19 pandemic, the nationwide financial crisis, unemployment and political instability, the Lebanese people are facing hard times.
All the above reasons in combination with a lack of a comprehensive reform vision have made the development of an inclusive solution urgent, according to a statement.
International emergency support was swiftly provided, with Combi Lift being the first company to transport 59 containers with highly hazardous material to Germany for specialised treatment and disposal.
In April 2021, HPC and partners presented a modernisation and expansion proposal of the port capacity, with the relocation of sections of the port from the city centre to vacant industrial zones. As a result of such a modernisation, unused areas could be transformed into a socially balanced re-urbanisation, reconnecting Beirut with the sea, according to an announcement.
Managing Director of HPC, Suheil Mahayni pointed out the benefits of this initiative for the port of Beirut and its citizens, saying that “we want to support people of Beirut so that they can rebuild their port and their city. With our proposal, we have put a tangible solution on the table that can now be discussed with all of Lebanon’s stakeholders.”
Mahayni added, “The ‘Beirut PortCity Dialogue’ platform is an opportunity to discuss the proposed options publicly, transparently and with a focus on the public interest for the city and the country. The dialogue is open for anyone from the private sector, political and non-governmental organisations, as well as Lebanese individuals. Together, we want to develop a common understanding to rebuild the port, and the heritage damaged in the explosion.”
Managing Director of Colliers Germany and professor at the Flying Faculty GJU German-Jordanian University, Hermann Schnell noted, “This will be a different concept of helping the Lebanese people to help themselves with their undisputed qualifications instead of typical charity and unrealistic loans. In this way, we will create a real positive momentum against the negative dynamic in which this great country currently finds itself.”
The Beirut PortCity platform allows all Lebanese people to participate. The motto “Let’s make it work – feasible solutions for Beirut PortCity”, gives access not only to individuals but also to organisations and anyone who wants to support the redevelopment of the port and the city.
This concept avoids any new debt of the Lebanese State but covers its own income through its European re-urbanisation, which has been calculated to cover the new port, according to a statement.
HPC said that along with its partners aims to provide long-term solutions to the Lebanese people, giving them the possibility to rebuild a frame for becoming a self-sustaining nation again. The project is open to all parties committed to Lebanon and it is an integral part of the international community’s efforts for Lebanon.
