The flow of Iraqi fuel oil shipments through Syrian territory towards the port of Baniyas in Tartus governorate on the Mediterranean Sea constitutes a qualitative step that paved the way for a strategic corridor for oil flows towards the Mediterranean.
Director of Corporate Communications at the Syrian Petroleum Company Safwan Sheikh Ahmad said that this step reflects Syria’s return to playing an important role as an energy corridor in the region, and the country’s preparedness for operational capabilities.
He explained that the ongoing transport operations are carried out according to an integrated logistics system that currently relies on land transport via dedicated tankers, where the receiving, unloading and storage operations are organised within prepared facilities, leading to re-pumping via the Baniyas outlet.
He revealed that the transition to the level of pipelines, including historical projects such as Kirkuk-Baniyas, requires broader arrangements, in addition to infrastructure rehabilitation and modernisation works. He also pointed out that this route provides direct revenues related to transit and storage services.
Ahmad noted that Syria has a unique geographical location that qualifies it to be a pivotal energy corridor towards the Mediterranean Sea. With the development of infrastructure and the strengthening of partnerships, this role can be expanded to include a wider range of transport and export operations in light of the regional need to diversify supply routes and enhance their reliability.
Director of Local and International Relations at the General Authority for Ports and Customs in Syria, Mazen Alloush, echoed similar views pertaining to the latest developments. Alloush explained that the procedures included simplifying and standardising customs transactions, adopting dedicated routes so as to ensure convoys reach their destination with high efficiency and without registering obstacles.
He pointed out that the authorities faced several challenges due to the damaged infrastructure they inherited from the previous regime. For example, Al Tanf crossing, which is the passage through which Iraqi fuel convoys pass needed comprehensive rehabilitation. Despite this, he said that things are smooth as the authorities are addressing these challenges through continuous maintenance.
Alloush added that the Authorities are working in light of regional changes to implement a strategic vision to enhance Syria’s role as a regional energy transit corridor, through developing the infrastructure of border crossings in parallel with rehabilitating ports and modernizing their operational infrastructure, introducing modern operating systems and increasing capacity, adopting advanced operating models, as well as developing the customs work system in line with international standards.
He noted that Syria has a pivotal strategic location on the regional energy transport map, with its geographical advantages and logistical infrastructure that qualify it to play an active role in transporting and exporting Iraqi oil and the oil of other countries to the Mediterranean Sea. He pointed out that reactivating this role in light of the current changes serves common economic interests and enhances opportunities for regional integration.
Concluding his remarks to QNA, Alloush stressed the Authority’s commitment to providing a safe and efficient transit environment that supports trade and energy in the region, and contributes to consolidating Syria’s position as a key player in the regional energy equation.