Sanctioned tanker delivers diesel fuel from Russia to Syria
7.03.2025 - 13:21
The tanker loaded diesel at a major Russian port and headed for Syria, a sign of Moscow’s ability to maintain influence in the country.
The Prosperity loaded about 35,000 tons of fuel in February at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk, Bloomberg reported.
The tanker is currently off the coast of Syria. The ship was previously known as the NS Pride and was added to the US sanctions list on January 10.
The fuel delivery came amid Russia’s latest efforts to maintain control over two military bases in the Middle East — the naval port of Tartus and the air base at Hmeimim — after its ally, President Bashar al-Assad, was ousted from power.
Syria has announced a tender for the purchase of crude oil and petroleum products, including diesel fuel.
It is not yet clear whether the diesel delivery is intended for Russian military bases or for the Syrian government.
The tanker Prosperity arrived off the coast of Syria on Wednesday, March 5. Draft indicators indicate that the vessel has not yet unloaded fuel.
USM previously reported that a Russian sanctioned vessel transported weapons from Syria across the English Channel.
