Ocean Network Express expands into Syria with new shipping agency appointment
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has appointed Seanautics Maritime Services LLC as its official shipping agent in Syria, extending its commercial representation across the Levant region as it prepares to begin local operations in January 2027.
The agreement expands an existing relationship between the Singapore-headquartered container shipping company and Seanautics, which already represents ONE in Lebanon. The new arrangement will establish dedicated agency support for customers in Syria through Seanautics’ offices in Damascus and Latakia.
Announced on 6 November 2026, the appointment is intended to provide Syrian customers with access to ONE’s international shipping network and local support for their transportation and supply chain requirements.
Seanautics has operated in the region for approximately 25 years, providing maritime agency and related services. Its existing local presence will support ONE’s entry into the Syrian market without the carrier announcing the establishment of its own branch offices.
ONE strengthens its Levant representation
Under the new arrangement, Seanautics will provide local agency services for ONE’s customers, supporting access to the carrier’s international container shipping products and commercial network.
The expansion builds on the companies’ established cooperation in Lebanon and extends their relationship into Syria, where Damascus and Latakia will serve as the principal locations for customer support.
Tomohiro Hosaka, Managing Director of ONE Europe & Africa, described the appointment as an important step in addressing the operational and supply chain requirements of customers in Syria.
The company expects the new agency arrangement to support businesses seeking international shipping connections, drawing on Seanautics’ local market experience and established maritime services operations.
Raed G. Baconi, Deputy CEO of Seanautics Maritime Services LLC, said the company’s teams in Damascus and Latakia would provide direct agency support for ONE’s customers as the new arrangement becomes operational.
Operations scheduled to begin in 2027
ONE has scheduled the start of its Syrian agency operations for January 2027, although the company has not provided additional details regarding the services that will be available from that date.
The announcement does not identify any new direct vessel calls at Syrian ports, dedicated shipping services or changes to existing container shipping rotations.
It also does not specify the terminals, transshipment arrangements or cargo volumes expected to be associated with the new representation.
The development therefore represents an expansion of ONE’s commercial and agency network rather than a confirmed launch of a new container shipping route.
Through its partnership with Seanautics, ONE is extending its local coverage in the Eastern Mediterranean while maintaining its broader international liner network. Further operational details will be needed to establish how the new Syrian agency presence translates into specific shipping connections and cargo services.
