Beirut port assures CAMA exit of goods system operating normally

BEIRUT —After food importers complained of delays in unloading and customs clearance, the Port of Beirut’s management said Tuesday that the CAMA system "is functioning normally, without any malfunction, and that all operations are proceeding regularly."

The Committee for the Management and Operation of the Port of Beirut (GEPB) added that the information recently circulated regarding delays in the exit of containers and goods is related to issues external to this computer system, which connects all stakeholders at the port, thus contradicting the syndicate's statements made on Monday.

To address this, the GEPB also announced Tuesday, in another statement, an extension of daily working hours, Monday through Saturday, until 6 p.m., lasting until the end of the year, in coordination with the customs administration.

The container terminal, managed by CMA CGM since 2021, does not appear to be experiencing any problems with operations involving vessels calling at Beirut.

On Monday, port management received and unloaded nearly 12,800 containers divided among three ships that docked simultaneously within 24 hours, thus setting a record.

The head of the importers' syndicate has not yet responded to our requests for comment.