Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamny conducted an inspection tour of Port of Beirut as part of the port’s exceptional opening on Saturday and Monday, April 11 and 13, 2026, aimed at ensuring the continuity of commercial activity and the smooth flow of goods under current conditions.
The tour was attended by Chairman and Director General of Beirut Port, Marwan Al-Naffi, Director General of the Container Terminal, Charlie Darazi, Chairman of the Higher Customs Council, Misbah Khalil, and Director General of Customs, Gracia Qazzi.
Rasamny opened his remarks by praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in recent days and wishing a swift recovery to the injured, stressing the "need to protect the country from all forms of aggression."
The Public Works Minister further affirmed that "from the very first moments of the escalation, a decisive decision was taken to keep the port open and to work toward neutralizing public facilities, given that they constitute a fundamental pillar and vital lifeline ensuring the flow of essential goods, and underpinning both food and health security for citizens."
In a bid to enhance capacity, Rasamny revealed that "at the onset of the crisis, a request was submitted to operate the port around the clock, seven days a week, in order to accelerate container clearance and secure the country’s needs." He added that "current food security stocks are sufficient for three months," in coordination with Minister of Economy Amer Bisat.
The Minister also thanked Finance Minister Yassine Jaber for his efforts during this phase, and commended the role of CMA CGM in supporting the continuity of logistical operations at the port.
Rasamny further praised the efforts of the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority and Middle East Airlines for maintaining uninterrupted air traffic, particularly by prioritizing the transport of medicines and medical supplies.
On the operational front, he highlighted "the tireless work of freight forwarders, traders, military institutions, and all personnel across the ports of Beirut and Tripoli, the airport, and the Masnaa crossing," noting that "approximately 600 transactions were completed within the first three hours of today at Beirut Port—reflecting a high level of coordination and integration among all stakeholders."
Rasamny then stressed that his field presence, despite the official holiday, comes in support of these efforts, reiterating that "food and health security remain at the forefront of priorities."
The Minister also announced the reinforcement of security measures across vital facilities, alongside ongoing contacts with international bodies, embassies, and United Nations agencies to safeguard and neutralize these facilities, affirming that they will remain operational to ensure the continuity of essential services."
For his part, Al-Naffi affirmed that security and safety measures at the port are at their highest levels, noting that operational teams are fully prepared and that work is proceeding normally both today and on Monday, in line with the Minister’s directives.
Al-Naffi added that port activity is proceeding at a high pace across all terminals, comparable to a regular working day, given its responsibility in securing supplies for the national economy, particularly essential goods such as food and medicine, while maintaining the smooth movement of cargo.
Al-Naffi also disclosed that "Gate Out" operations recorded the exit of approximately 1,000 trucks loaded with vital materials, underscoring the continuity and efficiency of operations.
Al-Naffi concluded by affirming that Beirut Port continues to fulfill its vital role, upholding the highest standards of safety and operations, and will not cease to meet the needs of the Lebanese market under all circumstances.
The tour was attended by Chairman and Director General of Beirut Port, Marwan Al-Naffi, Director General of the Container Terminal, Charlie Darazi, Chairman of the Higher Customs Council, Misbah Khalil, and Director General of Customs, Gracia Qazzi.
Rasamny opened his remarks by praying for the souls of those who lost their lives in recent days and wishing a swift recovery to the injured, stressing the "need to protect the country from all forms of aggression."
The Public Works Minister further affirmed that "from the very first moments of the escalation, a decisive decision was taken to keep the port open and to work toward neutralizing public facilities, given that they constitute a fundamental pillar and vital lifeline ensuring the flow of essential goods, and underpinning both food and health security for citizens."
In a bid to enhance capacity, Rasamny revealed that "at the onset of the crisis, a request was submitted to operate the port around the clock, seven days a week, in order to accelerate container clearance and secure the country’s needs." He added that "current food security stocks are sufficient for three months," in coordination with Minister of Economy Amer Bisat.
The Minister also thanked Finance Minister Yassine Jaber for his efforts during this phase, and commended the role of CMA CGM in supporting the continuity of logistical operations at the port.
Rasamny further praised the efforts of the Lebanese Civil Aviation Authority and Middle East Airlines for maintaining uninterrupted air traffic, particularly by prioritizing the transport of medicines and medical supplies.
On the operational front, he highlighted "the tireless work of freight forwarders, traders, military institutions, and all personnel across the ports of Beirut and Tripoli, the airport, and the Masnaa crossing," noting that "approximately 600 transactions were completed within the first three hours of today at Beirut Port—reflecting a high level of coordination and integration among all stakeholders."
Rasamny then stressed that his field presence, despite the official holiday, comes in support of these efforts, reiterating that "food and health security remain at the forefront of priorities."
The Minister also announced the reinforcement of security measures across vital facilities, alongside ongoing contacts with international bodies, embassies, and United Nations agencies to safeguard and neutralize these facilities, affirming that they will remain operational to ensure the continuity of essential services."
For his part, Al-Naffi affirmed that security and safety measures at the port are at their highest levels, noting that operational teams are fully prepared and that work is proceeding normally both today and on Monday, in line with the Minister’s directives.
Al-Naffi added that port activity is proceeding at a high pace across all terminals, comparable to a regular working day, given its responsibility in securing supplies for the national economy, particularly essential goods such as food and medicine, while maintaining the smooth movement of cargo.
Al-Naffi also disclosed that "Gate Out" operations recorded the exit of approximately 1,000 trucks loaded with vital materials, underscoring the continuity and efficiency of operations.
Al-Naffi concluded by affirming that Beirut Port continues to fulfill its vital role, upholding the highest standards of safety and operations, and will not cease to meet the needs of the Lebanese market under all circumstances.
