The tragic explosion of August 4, 2020 presents an opportunity to rethink the nature, function and location of facilities in the PoB with the twin aims of enhancing port performance and competitiveness in one hand while optimizing land use on the other hand. The World Bank, in cooperation with the new government of Lebanon, will support the design, reform and reconstruction of the Port of Beirut (PoB). The bank will work on building consensus with all port stakeholders upon the various actions to be taken.

The World Bank is in the process to procuring design, master planning, engineering, economic feasibility and other consulting services to prepare and inform the various options available for the development and operation (including reconstruction) of the Port of Beirut (PoB), as part of a post-disaster post-pandemic building back better program aiming to restore PoBs functionality. The study will include Physical Survey of the port, characteristics and detailed damage Assessment.

The bank intends to support the development of a modern competitive and transparent smart / digital port, as part of a coherent strategy. Consulting services will include the following main activities

• Recommendations for a new National Port Vision to define an optimal port sector strategy that best serves the community, promotes complementarity among ports and logistics infrastructure, increases trade, enhances Lebanon's competitiveness in the region and positions the country as the logistic hub in the region. The vision shall be prepared in consultation and close coordination with the relevant authorities and other public and private stakeholders.

• Inputs to the PoB Master plan with options assessment and Physical Infrastructure Development Plan. Master plan options shall encompass the port in its entirety and the surrounding urban area. The master plan will include engineering surveying activities of the port, concept design options, economic evaluation; and comparative assessment.

• Investment Program, Public Private Partnerships options and Risk Assessment. The same will include a phased capital expenditure (investment) program quantifying the total investment amounts, prioritizing them and estimating their timing. It will identify the potential for private sector participation (PSP) in the reconstruction and operation of the PoB, including for the Container Terminal and other port facilities (bulk and grains terminals notably, as well as marine services).