Damascus: 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 reflects remarkable transformations in reactivating Syria's position within the regional energy equation, amid increasing indications of restoring its role as a strategic corridor for oil flows towards the Mediterranean.
According to Qatar News Agency, Director of Corporate Communications at the Syrian Petroleum Company, Safwan Sheikh Ahmad, stated that this step represents an important development that reflects Syria's return to playing a significant role as an energy corridor in the region. This move also confirms the readiness of the infrastructure and operational capabilities to accommodate such operations.
Ahmad added that these developments indicate growing regional confidence in Syria's ability to stabilize energy flows and reposition itself on the transport and export map. The ongoing transport operations are carried out through an integrated logistics system relying on land transport via dedicated tankers. These operations, including receiving, unloading, and storage, are organized within prepared facilities, leading to re-pumping via the Baniyas outlet. All processes are managed according to precise operational standards ensuring safety, efficiency, and continuity of flow.
Ahmad further explained that the current stage can be seen as the beginning of a process to reactivate Syria's role as an energy corridor. It allows testing operational readiness and assessing technical needs. Transitioning to pipeline levels, including historical projects like Kirkuk-Baniyas, requires broader arrangements encompassing technical, investment, and coordination aspects between concerned parties, alongside infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization.
He also highlighted that this route provides direct revenues related to transit and storage services and indirect returns such as activating oil infrastructure, stimulating transportation and service sectors, creating job opportunities, and strengthening Syria's position as a logistics center in the energy sector.
Ahmad noted Syria's unique geographical location qualifies it to be a pivotal energy corridor towards the Mediterranean Sea. With infrastructure development and strengthened partnerships, this role can expand 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, confirmed to QNA that the passage of Iraqi fuel convoys indicates Syria's return to its role as an active regional corridor. The Authority managed the start of this movement according to an integrated operational plan prepared in coordination with concerned authorities to ensure smooth and safe passage.
Alloush explained that procedures included simplifying customs transactions, adopting dedicated convoy routes, enhancing technical and human readiness at border crossings, and implementing precise security and logistical measures, ensuring convoys reached their destination efficiently and without obstacles.
He pointed out that the Authority faces challenges related to damaged infrastructure over past years, such as the Al Tanf crossing needing comprehensive rehabilitation due to road and bridge deterioration. Despite this, traffic has not stopped, as the Authority addresses these challenges through continuous maintenance, rehabilitation plans, infrastructure projects, and expanding work scope around the clock.
Alloush added that the Authority is working in light of regional changes to implement a strategic vision to enhance Syria's role as a regional energy transit corridor. This involves developing border crossing infrastructure, rehabilitating ports, modernizing operational infrastructure, introducing modern systems, increasing capacity, adopting advanced models, and developing customs work in line with international standards.
He noted Syria's pivotal strategic location on the regional energy transport map, with geographical advantages and logistical infrastructure qualifying it to play an active role in transporting and exporting Iraqi oil and other countries' oil to the Mediterranean Sea. Reactivating this role under current changes serves common economic interests and enhances regional integration opportunities.
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, consolidating Syria's position as a key player in the regional energy equation.