Lebanon seeks regional connectivity through railway and energy projects

Lebanon is working to reintegrate its transport and energy networks into regional corridors. The government is seeking to connect its ports to a railway network spanning from Turkey to Saudi Arabia via Syria and Jordan. This initiative includes a project to modernize the rail line between Tripoli and the Syrian border to link the Port of Tripoli to broader regional transport projects.

In the energy sector, Lebanon is positioned to benefit from the revival of regional gas and oil lines. Syria serves as a key connection point for Iraqi oil and gas flowing through Jordan and Turkey. Efforts are underway to rehabilitate the Arab Gas Pipeline, which could allow the Deir Ammar plant in northern Lebanon to switch from fuel to gas, potentially reducing electricity production costs by more than 40%.

Additionally, Lebanon is exploring becoming a Mediterranean gas hub through a regasification station project. The Lebanese cabinet recently approved a study by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) regarding investor funding for a regasification vessel to supply the Deir Ammar plant and a new facility.