Russia is aiming to commence operations of a new commercial logistics hub at Syria’s Mediterranean port of Tartous by mid-July, marking a significant step in expanding its economic footprint in the region while maintaining its longstanding naval presence at the port.
According to Syrian officials, the logistics hub will operate from one of the two berths within the leased Tartous naval facility, while the second berth will continue to support Russian naval operations. The facility is expected to initially handle around 250,000 tonnes of cargo per month, including wheat, grains, vegetable oils, timber, steel, coal, sugar and other commodities exported from Russia. The first shipment is expected to comprise approximately 30,000 tonnes of grain.
The project is being developed by Syrian logistics company Rus Line in partnership with Russian firms under the Russian-Syrian Business Council. It also envisages establishing a regular maritime service between Russia’s Black Sea port of Novorossiysk and Tartous, enabling onward distribution of cargo to Syria and neighbouring markets such as Iraq, Jordan and Gulf countries.
The initiative comes as Russia seeks to preserve and expand its influence in Syria through economic cooperation following the political changes that reshaped the country’s leadership in 2024. While Syria has strengthened engagement with Western and Gulf nations, Moscow continues to remain a key supplier of wheat, food products and energy to the country.
The logistics hub is expected to enhance regional trade connectivity and reinforce Tartous’ role as an important gateway for Russian exports into the Middle East, while supporting broader commercial and supply chain integration across the region.