Rebuilding Beirut

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting has initiated the “Beirut PortCity Dialogue” platform with its partners. The goal is transparent communication and the discussion of key aspects of the Beirut port and city development with all those interested in revitalising the harbour and neighbouring districts impacted by the chemical explosions at the port last year.

“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,” said Suheil Mahayni, managing director of HPC.

Debt-free solution

In April 2021, HPC and Colliers, together with Fraunhofer IMW and the LGBC presented a proposal that envisages  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.

The income has been calculated to cover the new Port as much as the refurbishment of the heritage damaged by the blast and basic infrastructural needs.

The project is open to private sector, political and non-governmental organisations, as well as Lebanese individuals.