The fourth berth at Syria’s Tartus port received a commercial vessel for the first time, entering full commercial operation. This came 48 hours after the official announcement that the berth had been returned to Syrian control and incorporated into the port’s operating system. According to Mazen Alloush, a representative of Syria’s Border Crossings and Customs Administration, the vessel docked and began cargo operations, expanding Tartus’s ability to receive ships and handle various types of cargo.
The berth’s launch was part of an agreement between Syria and Russia reached after a year and a half of negotiations. Under the memorandum, Syria will take control of civilian facilities along the coast, including the fourth commercial berth in Tartus and Khmeimim Air Base in Latakia province, with these facilities gradually being integrated into the national civilian administration system. The military facilities are to be converted into joint training centers within no more than three months.
The berth is 630 meters long, and the depth alongside it exceeds 13 meters. This allows it to receive up to three large vessels simultaneously, with a combined carrying capacity of approximately 55,000 tons. The new infrastructure is expected to ease pressure on the other berths, increase Tartus’s capacity, and support the development of Syria’s foreign trade and maritime transport.
Full version: After being recovered from Russia, the fourth berth at Tartus Port enters commercial operation