HPC initiates dialogue after devastating Beirut explosion
(Posted on 04/08/21)
HPC Hamburg Port Consulting, the leading logistics consultancy for ports, sea and inland terminals, as well as intermodal rail transport, has initiated the "Beirut PortCity Dialogue" platform with its partners. The goal is transparent communication and the discussion of central aspects of the Beirut port and city development with all those interested in revitalising the harbour and devastated neighbouring districts.
After the devastating Beirut explosion on August 4th, 2020, Covid-19 pandemic, the nationwide financial crisis, rampened unemployment and political instability, the Lebanese people are facing hard times. The explosion severely damaged both the port and surrounding areas, triggering the loss of life to more than 200 souls, more than 6,500 injured and the destruction of thousands of homes. Furthermore, a lack of a comprehensive reform vision is calling for the development of an inclusive solution for all.
International emergency support were swiftly provided in the months following the explosion. Combi Lift led the effort to transport 59 containers containing highly hazardous material to Germany for specialised treatment and disposal. In April 2021, HPC and Colliers, together with Fraunhofer IMW and the LGBC presented a proposal that envisages a scheme for a path ahead – the modernisation and expansion 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. This re-urbanisaion would provide the income to finance the entire project. In this way, the concept avoids new debt for Lebanon.
"This explosion left a deep and still bleeding wound in the Lebanese capital whose inhabitants are still living with the psychological, physical and economic consequences of the blast. We are wholehearted with the people of Beirut and we want to support them 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," says Suheil Mahayni, Managing Director of HPC. "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."
Hermann Schnell, Managing Director of Colliers Germany and professor at the Flying Faculty GJU German-Jordanian University, says: “Our proposal considers European best practice in urban development with a strong focus on social housing and social infrastructure. It pairs with a robust investment concept integrating clean international private capital. 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.”
“This project is solely for the people of Lebanon,” says Elias Philippe Assouad, President of the Lebanese German Business Council in Beirut. “For so many years, we have been demanding reforms and not to further squeeze out our middle-class. This project now makes us have a real port again as the engine for a nation of traders. And it starts turning Beirut to become a livable place for its citizens again. We have engaged with many already for contributing their ideas and accommodating their concerns. With no hesitation, we will continue this path. This project is for change in one of our country’s darkest hours – challenging few profiting today but allowing so many to build a dignified life again.”
Latest News
Rotterdam’s first half year throughput declines with dry bulk down 8.9%
(Posted on 04/08/25)Throughput in the port of Rotterdam decreased by 4.1% in the first half of 2025. This brought the total... Read more
Jeroen Eijsink to become CEO of HHLA
(Posted on 04/08/25)The Supervisory Board of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) has appointed Jeroen Eijsink as... Read more
Canada is feeding the world with support from marine shipping
(Posted on 04/08/25)As the 2025 marine shipping season has progressed, grain traffic has remained the dominant story of... Read more
ABL strengthens market value and global reach through TSA acquisition
(Posted on 30/07/25)Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL), has finalised its acquisition of Transhipment Services Australia (TSA),... Read more
Klaipeda Port leads Baltic States in cargo growth
(Posted on 21/07/25)In the first six months of this year, nearly 19 million tons of cargo were handled at Klaipeda Port.... Read more
Adam Bell named President of S.H. Bell Company
(Posted on 21/07/25)S.H. Bell Company, a trusted name in cargo handling, warehousing, and logistics for more than 90 years... Read more
Declining bulk traffic at Antwerp-Bruges in first half of 2025
(Posted on 15/07/25)In the first six months of 2025, the total throughput of Port of Antwerp-Bruges was 137.2 million tonnes... Read more
AD Ports MoU with Critical Minerals Forum to strengthen global supply chains
(Posted on 11/07/25)AD Ports Group, an Abu Dhabi based, leading enabler of global trade, logistics, and industry has announced... Read more
Long An International Port reaffirms commitment to green and sustainable development
(Posted on 10/07/25)Long An International Port has successfully concluded its participation at ASEAN Ports & Logistics... Read more
World’s first hybrid solar-powered inland shipping vessel
(Posted on 08/07/25)Dutch maritime solar innovator Wattlab has delivered a solar energy system for HGK Shipping’s... Read more
