Damascus, April 26 (QNA) - 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.

In an exclusive statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Director of Corporate Communications at the Syrian Petroleum Company Safwan Sheikh Ahmad said that this step represents an important development that reflects Syria’s return to playing an important role as an energy corridor in the region, and also confirms the readiness of the infrastructure and operational capabilities to accommodate such operations.

He added that these developments are an indication of growing regional confidence in Syria’s ability to contribute to stabilizing energy flows and repositioning itself on the transport and export map.

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 organized within prepared facilities, leading to re-pumping via the Baniyas outlet. He pointed out that these operations are managed according to precise operational standards that ensure safety, efficiency and continuity of flow.

Director of Corporate Communications at the Syrian Petroleum Company explained that the current stage can be seen as the beginning of a process to reactivate Syria’s role as an energy corridor, as it allows testing operational readiness and assessing technical needs. He revealed that the transition to the level of pipelines, including historical projects such as Kirkuk-Baniyas, requires broader arrangements that include technical, investment and coordination aspects between the concerned parties, in addition to infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization works.

He also pointed out that this route provides direct revenues related to transit and storage services, in addition to indirect returns represented in activating the oil infrastructure, stimulating the sectors related to transportation and services, creating job opportunities, as well as strengthening Syria’s position as a logistics center in the energy sector.

Safwan Sheikh 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.

He stressed the importance of expanding this path, especially in the areas of infrastructure development, transportation, storage and logistics, expressing hope that Arab companies will play a role in rehabilitation and development projects, thereby enhancing regional integration in the energy sector.

In turn, 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 is an indication of Syria’s return to its role as an active regional corridor, noting that the Authority dealt with the start of this movement according to an integrated operational plan that was prepared in coordination with the concerned authorities to ensure the smooth and safe passage.

Alloush explained that the procedures included simplifying and standardizing customs transactions, adopting dedicated routes for convoys, enhancing technical and human readiness at border crossings, and taking precise security and logistical measures, which contributed to the convoys reaching their destination with high efficiency and without registering obstacles.

He pointed out that the Authority faces a number of challenges related to the reality of the damaged infrastructure during the past years. For example, Al Tanf crossing, which is the passage through which Iraqi fuel convoys pass, needs comprehensive rehabilitation, as there is deterioration in some roads and bridges. There is also a decline in the efficiency of the roads leading to some crossings, which constitutes additional pressure on the movement of trucks and requires a high level of coordination and flexible operational response.

Despite this, he stressed that traffic has not stopped, as the Authority is working to address these challenges through continuous maintenance and rehabilitation plans, implementing infrastructure projects, raising the readiness of staff, and expanding the scope of work around the clock. It will also seek to improve the work environment within the ports and enhancing field coordination with partner entities.

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, 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. (QNA)