“Revenues of the Port increased to $163 million in 2009 fuelled by the increasing traffic, and increasing competition," said the Beirut Port Authority.   

Number of ships increased to 2,395, up 17 percent from a year earlier while number of containers rose to 994,601, up five percent from 2008.

Passenger numbers also increased to 6,699 in 2009, compared to 2,694 in 2008.

Cargo handled by the Port also registered a ten percent increase to six million in 2009, the Authority said.

The Port plans to expand its services. The Authority said that it has ordered eight new giant cranes at a total cost $ 17 million that will be delivered in August, 2010.

The Authority said that there is no intention to reduce customs, especially at this time as the $150 million expansion project of the Port that has started is being self-financed.