STG Engineering Denies Rumors of Contract Cancellation at Tartous Port

By Gleb Stolyarov

Feb 28 (Reuters) – STG Engineering, a Russian company that operates Syria’s Tartous commercial port, has confirmed that it is continuing to work as usual despite rumors circulating in the Middle East about the annulment of its contract.

In January, three Syrian businessmen and media reports suggested that the contract between STG Engineering and Syria’s new ruling administration had been cancelled. However, Dmitry Trifonov, CEO of STG Engineering, clarified that the company’s contract is still in effect and no official communication about its annulment has been received.

Trifonov emphasized, “It is impossible to terminate the agreement unilaterally, because it has been ratified by both the president and the parliament, and no one has notified us. Any statements suggesting otherwise have no legitimate basis.”

Media reports had previously incorrectly referred to the Russian operator as STG Stroytransgaz, a construction company. When contacted, Stroytransgaz stated that it had no involvement with STG Engineering or the Tartous port management contract.

Meanwhile, Russia is engaged in discussions with Syria’s new authorities to secure its naval base in Tartous and the Hmeimim air base near Latakia, highlighting the strategic importance of the region for Moscow.

The Tartous facility serves as Russia’s sole Mediterranean repair and replenishment hub, facilitating its military operations in the region. Russia has been a key ally of the Assad regime throughout the Syrian conflict.

As the situation evolves, STG Engineering remains committed to its operations at Tartous port while navigating the complexities of international relations in the region.

(Reporting by Gleb Stolyarov Writing by Andrew Osborn Editing by Mark Trevelyan)

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