The Syrian Ministry of Energy announced on Monday, September 1, the export of 600,000 barrels of heavy crude oil from the port of Tartus (western Syria), marking the country’s first shipment in 14 years.
The Tartus governorate stated on Tuesday that the move aims to “strengthen Syria’s presence in global oil markets.”
The crude was shipped aboard the tanker Nissos Christiana on behalf of the company “B Serve Energy,” which is linked to the global oil trading firm BB Energy, according to Reuters. The latter did not respond to a request for comment.
Riyad Joubase, Deputy Director of the Oil and Gas Directorate, said this was the first oil tanker to depart Syria since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8 last year. He described the step as “a takeoff for Syria’s oil industry and crude exports.”
Syria’s last official oil exports date back 14 years. In 2010, the country exported around 380,000 barrels per day.
Most Syrian oil fields lie in the northeast, in areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). The SDF began supplying oil to Damascus in February, but relations have since deteriorated over concerns of excluding segments of society and minority rights, including those of the Kurds.
Control over the oil fields shifted several times during the war, while U.S. and European sanctions further complicated legitimate import and export operations. Sanctions remained in place for months even after Assad’s ouster, making energy imports difficult for Syria’s new administration.
U.S. sanctions lifted
In June, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order lifting American sanctions on Syria. Following the move, U.S.-based companies began drafting a master plan to support oil and gas exploration and extraction in the country.
Syria also signed an $800 million memorandum of understanding with Dubai-based DP World to develop, manage, and operate a multipurpose terminal in Tartus, after canceling a previous contract with a Russian company that had managed the port under the former regime.
At the 62nd Damascus International Fair, the Ministry of Energy showcased models and maps of Syria’s oil and gas blocks, along with samples of mineral and non-mineral resources, to highlight investment opportunities and ongoing efforts to develop the sector and boost its role in supporting the national economy.
Saudi cooperation
On Monday, September 2, a technical meeting was held between the General Petroleum Corporation and four Saudi companies that recently signed memoranda of understanding in the oil and gas sector.
The meeting included a presentation on the work of the Syrian petroleum authority and introductory sessions by the Saudi companies outlining their fields of expertise and technical capabilities.
The technical program will continue for three days, followed by field visits to Syrian oil and gas facilities, as part of efforts to accelerate the implementation of the agreements and begin developing fields and increasing gas production.
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