Tartous, Syria. Russia aims to begin operating a commercial logistics hub by mid-July at one of two berths at its leased naval base in Syria’s port of Tartous, while maintaining a military presence at the other, Syrian officials told Reuters.
The project would handle Russian goods including wheat and grains and reflects Moscow’s efforts to sustain and expand its influence in Syria through economic ties after the 2024 overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Hub plans at Tartous
One Syrian official said the hub would target initial cargo volumes of about 250,000 tons per month. According to the officials, it is planned for one of the two berths at the naval base Russia leases at Tartous.
On June 6, the Russian-Syrian Business Council, which operates under Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, announced plans to establish an “assembly and distribution centre for Russian goods” at Tartous.
Officials interviewed by Reuters, along with company statements and documents reviewed by Reuters, provided further details including the intended start date, the location within the port and the projected cargo volumes.
Strategic context
The project comes as Russia seeks to preserve its position in Syria after losing its closest regional ally with Assad’s removal from power in 2024.
The contest over influence extends beyond trade, with Washington seeking ways to ensure Syria grants contracts to US companies and limits Moscow’s military presence.
Future of Russian bases
Russia has supported Syria for decades and intervened militarily in 2015 to back Assad during the 14-year civil war.
Assad’s fall raised questions about the future of the lease agreement covering Russia’s naval base at Tartous on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the future of its military base at Hmeimim, southeast of Latakia.
Moscow and Damascus are now negotiating over the future of Russia’s bases at Tartous and Hmeimim.
Shifts in Syria’s partnerships
Since Assad was overthrown, Damascus has sought closer ties with Western and Gulf countries while continuing cooperation with Moscow in areas including energy, food imports and military relations.
In 2025, Syria’s new government cancelled a 49-year contract that had granted Russian company Stroytransgaz the right to develop commercial facilities at Tartous.
The United Arab Emirates’ DP World secured an $800 million, 30-year concession agreement to redevelop and operate the port.