The US has imported fuel oil of Iraqi origin shipped through Syria for the first time, marking a new milestone in Iraq’s efforts to diversify its export routes amid ongoing disruptions to Gulf shipping caused by the Iran war.

According to shipping data from Kpler and sources familiar with the operations, three Aframax tankers loaded Iraqi fuel oil at Syria’s Mediterranean port of Baniyas between June and July for delivery to the US Gulf Coast. The cargoes originated in Iraq and were transported by truck across the Iraqi-Syrian border before being loaded onto vessels at Baniyas.

The first tanker, On Passion, departed Baniyas on June 17 carrying approximately 716,600 barrels of fuel oil. Around 487,600 barrels were discharged in the Bahamas in mid-July, while the remaining cargo is scheduled for delivery to Texas later this month.

The second vessel, Nissos Christina, loaded around 288,500 barrels before departing by July 8 and is expected to arrive at the US Gulf Coast in early August. Meanwhile, Green Warrior loaded about 414,400 barrels of fuel oil in mid-to-late July and is scheduled to reach the US during the third week of August, according to Kpler.

The shipments represent the first fuel oil cargoes exported from Syria to the US, according to Kpler.

The new export route was established in early May as Iraq sought alternative outlets for its fuel oil exports following prolonged disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Since then, Baniyas has loaded one tanker of Iraqi fuel oil every seven to 10 days, supported by around 900 tanker trucks delivering fuel oil to the terminal daily.

In addition to the US, Iraqi fuel oil exported through Baniyas has reached customers across the Mediterranean, including Spain and Egypt.

The growing use of Syria’s Mediterranean port highlights the continued reshaping of regional energy trade flows as Iraq expands its access to international markets in Europe, Africa, and North America while reducing reliance on Gulf export routes.