Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
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Saudi Aramco: Yanbu’ South Terminal Boosts Export Capacity

The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco
The Yanbu South Terminal. Credit: Saudi Aramco

The commissioning of Yanbu South Terminal (YST) marked the addition of 3 million barrels per day to the West Coast export capacity when the first VLCC was loaded on October 12, Saudi Aramco has said.

Yanbu South Terminal, which is located south of Yanbu City on the West Coast of Saudi Arabia, consists of a tank farm and offshore facilities to receive, store and load Arab Light (AL) and Arab Super Light (ASL) crude oil, said a statement issued by Aramco on Wednesday.

The facility’s integration with the existing crude oil supply network adds 3 million barrels per day to Saudi Aramco’s export capacity through the West Coast, thereby reinforcing the reputation of Saudi Aramco as a reliable energy supplier to customers throughout the globe, it added.

“The successful commissioning and operation of Yanbu South Terminal is a testimony of the Company’s agility in responding to the business environment, and a demonstration of the fine caliber of individuals and teams who will lead the company into the future to support the country’s vision,” said Abdulaziz Al-Judaimi, Senior VP, Saudi Aramco Downstream.

“The successful startup of Yanbu South Terminal is another milestone in reinforcing Saudi Aramco’s position as the world’s leading integrated energy and chemicals producer, operating in a safe, sustainable, reliable and environmentally-friendly manner,” Executive Head of Pipelines, Distribution, and Terminals Abdullah Al-Mansour said.



IMF Team Makes First Syria Visit Since 2009

Syrians attend Eid al-Adha prayers in the courtyard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus, Syria, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
Syrians attend Eid al-Adha prayers in the courtyard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus, Syria, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
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IMF Team Makes First Syria Visit Since 2009

Syrians attend Eid al-Adha prayers in the courtyard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus, Syria, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
Syrians attend Eid al-Adha prayers in the courtyard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Damascus, Syria, 06 June 2025. (EPA)

An IMF team visited Syria for the first time since 2009 to take part in efforts to rebuild the economy after years of civil war and the fall of Bashar al-Assad, the lender said Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund's trip to Damascus took place from June 1 to June 5, and its team sought to discuss authorities' priorities and how to help achieve them.

Syria's economy and the country are a wreck after 14 years of war under Assad, who was ousted in December.

"Syria faces enormous challenges following years of conflict that caused immense human suffering and reduced its economy to a fraction of its former size," said Ron van Rooden, who led the visit.

Around six million people have fled the country while another seven million have been displaced internally, he noted.

"Output has plummeted, real incomes have fallen sharply, and poverty rates are high," he said, adding that state institutions have also been weakened with much infrastructure destroyed.

"There is great urgency to address these challenges and achieve a sustainable economic recovery," van Rooden said in a statement at the end of the mission.

Much of Syria's infrastructure has been destroyed by the war, which began with a bloody crackdown on peaceful anti-regime protests.

Longtime strongman Assad was ousted in a lightning offensive by opposition factions in December, and Syria's new government has sought to rebuild diplomatic ties, including with international financial institutions.

Last month, the IMF said it had held useful discussions with Syria's economic team.

The Fund's last comprehensive review of the health of the Syrian economy was done in 2009, before the outbreak of the war in 2011.

In April, Saudi Arabia and Qatar announced that they would settle Syria's debt to the World Bank totaling about $15 million.

The World Bank suspended operations in Syria when the war began. The settlement of its arrears will allow it to resume accessing the bank's financial support and technical advice.