Three and a half years after the catastrophic explosion at the Beirut port in August 2020, Lebanese and French officials have introduced a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction and reorganization of the port. The explosion, caused by improperly stored ammonium nitrate, resulted in over 200 fatalities, thousands of injuries, and widespread destruction in the city.
Despite a stalled investigation into the blast's causes and limited progress in rebuilding damaged areas, a new initiative has been set forth. The French government-backed plan, developed by engineering firms Artelia and Egis, aims to rebuild damaged quays, optimize traffic flow within the port, and transition the facility to solar power.
French shipping company CMA CGM Group secured a 10-year contract to manage the port's container terminal in 2022. The reconstruction project is estimated to require $60-$80 million, with Lebanon intending to utilize the port's increasing revenues, projected to reach $150 million in 2023.
During a press conference, Lebanese Prime Minister and French Ambassador emphasized the historical ties between the two nations and the significance of France's support for Lebanon. The reconstruction of the Beirut port is highlighted as a priority for France's assistance to Lebanon.
Notably, the plan does not address the fate of the port's iconic grain silos, which shielded parts of Beirut from the explosion. Initially slated for demolition, the silos' preservation was demanded by families of victims and survivors for memorial purposes and potential evidentiary value in ongoing investigations.
While a section of the silos collapsed in 2022, the remaining portion remains intact, symbolizing the resilience and complexities surrounding the reconstruction efforts at the Beirut port.
