TARTUS – A family in the coastal province of Tartus, Syria, is drawing national attention as they near the completion of the country’s first locally built marine vessel meeting European standards. This ambitious project is being hailed as a milestone in Syria’s long-overdue maritime industry revival.
The ship is being constructed by Hussam Abu Al-Nasr, a seasoned metalworker with over 40 years of experience in ship repair. He is joined by his two sons and a team of about twelve skilled workers at his local workshop.
The vessel is designed to carry up to 300 tons and reach speeds of 20 nautical miles per hour. It features full European-style specifications in both design and onboard systems.
The ship includes two main decks and an additional level dedicated to the engine room, control room, crew cabins, and a captain’s suite. The design ensures both functionality and comfort for long-distance sea voyages.
According to Hussam, this project is not just a family achievement—it’s proof that Syrian expertise can compete globally, even in heavy industries. He hopes this will inspire further development in the nation’s maritime sector.
With an official license for shipbuilding and repair, Hussam claims he could construct ships weighing up to 10,000 tons if the right conditions are in place—particularly the creation of dry docks along Syria’s expansive coastline.
The Tartus coastline, he adds, offers ample space to establish major shipbuilding hubs. With proper investment, it could become the backbone of Syria’s maritime economy in the decade ahead.
Beyond transportation and exports, a revitalized shipbuilding industry could provide thousands of jobs for skilled workers and technical graduates currently facing limited opportunities.
As post-war conditions begin to stabilize, many see 2025 as a turning point for the government to prioritize maritime development as a strategic sector for national recovery.
However, there are still significant challenges. One major obstacle is the lack of specialized equipment, particularly for the ship’s control room, which must be imported due to limited availability in Syria.
Muhammad, Hussam’s son and head of the technical and engine systems, shared that the ship is powered by a 600-horsepower marine engine—allowing it to sail efficiently and powerfully, even under rough sea conditions.
Although construction began in 2014, it was delayed by years of conflict and embargoes. Still, the family pressed on, using available materials and adapting to local limitations.
Local support in Tartus has also played a key role, with the community rallying behind the project, offering both practical help and moral encouragement to bring the vessel to life.
If sea trials go well, the family hopes to begin mass production of locally built vessels. There’s even potential for export to neighboring countries in need of affordable ships.
To realize this vision, collaboration between private investors, technical institutions, and relevant ministries is crucial for building a sustainable shipbuilding ecosystem.
Reviving this sector will require more than just skilled hands—it demands government policy support, regular workforce training, and modernization of local shipyards like Hussam’s.
Hussam believes that if investments start in 2025, within a decade Syria could emerge as a regional leader in ship manufacturing with internationally competitive products.
In the long run, the industry could contribute significantly to Syria’s post-conflict recovery by supporting sectors like maritime logistics, marine tourism, and fisheries export.
What began as a family project may soon chart a new course for Syria—one that sails beyond its war-torn past and toward a future of innovation and resilience.
