Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Tartous, SANA- The third cargo ship, set to carry 30,000 metric tons of high-quality local phosphate, is preparing to depart Tartous Port for Romania once loading operations—carried out with high efficiency and strict adherence to maritime storage and safety standards—are completed.
Mazen Alloush, Director of Local and International Relations at the General Authority for Land and Sea Ports, told SANA that Tartous Port management, the Ministry of Energy—General Petroleum and Mineral Resources Authority—and private shipping and unloading companies worked in full coordination to ensure smooth loading of the ship (ABRAHAM M) in line with the highest technical and logistical standards. The ship consists of three cargo holds, each with a capacity of approximately 10,000 tons.
Alloush stated that the phosphate is sourced from the Khneifis mines in Homs Governorate, one of Syria’s richest phosphate areas. He explained that transportation is carried out via specially equipped trucks to Tartous Port, where phosphate undergoes quality analysis and testing before being unloaded and directly loaded onto the vessel using modern equipment that meets environmental safety and operational efficiency requirements.
Alloush emphasized the significance of this step as a practical beginning for restarting economic activity, opening doors for international trade cooperation, and activating the country’s natural resources, positively impacting the national economy and employment opportunities while reaffirming Syria’s return to its regional economic role.
He further noted that the authority has received numerous new offers and requests from foreign countries following the resumption of phosphate exports, particularly after the state regained control of this strategic sector. Demand continues to rise due to the product’s high quality and competitive pricing.
According to Alloush, Syrian phosphate is distinguished by its high purity and low levels of impurities, making it highly sought after globally for fertilizer production and industrial phosphate applications. He stressed that phosphate is a key strategic resource for supporting agricultural production and chemical industries and remains an important national economic asset.
He concluded by stating that the resumption of export and import operations will restore Tartous Port’s vital status as a strategic trade hub, strengthen maritime transport infrastructure, and reinforce Syria’s role as a significant Mediterranean Sea corridor.
Manar/Ruaa al-Jazaeri
