The Port of Beirut (PoB) activity is still achieving record results as statistics have shown during the first quarter of 2014.

“The Port Authority is also in the final stages of planning to expand PoB at its south-end especially since at this rate of activity, the current quays will be congested with merchandise by 2016,” said Elie Zakhour, Chairman of the International Chamber of Navigation (ICN).

The number of containers (TEUs) reached 182,000, an increase of eight percent compared to 2013. Transshipment also rose by 12 percent to 108,000. These have raised overall container activity growth to ten percent. March witnessed the highest record this year with 101,000 containers handled by the port.

The number of vehicles went up 16 percent to 24,000. The number of merchandise import and export reached two million tons, growing by 12 percent.

The number of vessels slipped slightly to 509. “The sizes of vessels carrying merchandise are growing, and lowers the needed number to transport goods,” he said.

Revenues recorded a three percent increase, reaching $51.5 million.

PoB administration is taking several measures to improve its services. “Quays two and three have been cleaned, and dock 12 has been restored. This will enable the quays to receive vessels laden with around 50,000 tons of iron,” he said.