Syria has officially returned to the global oil market, sending its first postwar crude shipment in 14 years. The 600,000-barrel load of heavy crude departed from the historic port of Tartus aboard the tanker Nissos Christiana, under a deal with B Serve Energy, an affiliate of international trader BB Energy, Syrian authorities confirmed.

Before the outbreak of civil war in 2011, Syria exported around 380,000 barrels of oil per day. The new shipment marks a key milestone in the country’s efforts to revive its energy sector following the ousting of former President Bashar Al Assad in December 2024.

Riyad al-Joubasi, assistant director of oil and gas at Syria’s Energy Ministry, confirmed that the crude originated from domestic wells, though he declined to provide further details about the transaction.

Syria’s energy revival has gained momentum in recent months. In May, the government signed an $800 million agreement with DP World, the Dubai-based ports operator, to develop the Tartus facility. In June, U.S. sanctions were lifted, opening the door for potential American investment in Syria’s energy industry. Additionally, Syria and Iraq have discussed reviving the long-dormant Kirkuk-Baniyas oil pipeline, which once transported Iraqi crude to Europe via Syrian ports.

The shipment underscores Syria’s ambition to reestablish itself as a player in the international oil market after more than a decade of disruption.