Basrah Heavy Crude Oil: Full Export Specifications

Basrah Heavy Crude Oil: Full Export Specifications defines the exact chemical and physical parameters that govern every term contract and spot cargo lifted from southern Iraq. According to S&P Global Platts, the official SOMO specifications effective 1 January 2021 list the grade at 24 degrees API and 4.05% sulfur. Refiners processing this slate need deep conversion capacity, typically a Nelson complexity index above 11, to handle high residue yield and vanadium levels that reach 220 ppm. This article consolidates the complete SOMO assay table, compares the three Iraqi export grades side by side, breaks down the refining yield profile across six product fractions, lists every contractual contaminant limit with test methods, and details the loading port logistics at Basrah Oil Terminal and Khor al-Amaya for VLCC and Suezmax parcels.

You will learn the typical and contractual ranges for API gravity, sulfur, TAN, pour point, viscosity, and metals; the volume percent yields for naphtha, kerosene, gas oil, and residue cuts; the BS&W, chloride, mercury, and arsenic caps that trigger price adjustments or rejection; the standard parcel sizes, draft limits, and vessel vetting requirements at each terminal; and how the grade's quality window drives refinery configuration choices and capital expenditure planning.

Basrah Heavy Crude Oil Full Export Specifications Table

The complete chemical and physical specifications for Basrah Heavy Crude Oil exports define its processing requirements and commercial value for refiners worldwide. The following table consolidates the definitive assay data used in term contracts and spot transactions. The new Basrah Medium grade was announced with an API gravity of 29-30 degrees and 2 percent sulphur according to Iraq Business News (2020 announcement), providing a reference point for the heavier grade's distinct quality window.

Parameter	Typical Range	Test Method	Contract Limit	Relevance
API Gravity at 60°F	23.5, 24.5	ASTM D5002	Min 23.0 / Max 25.0	Defines heavy crude classification
Density at 15°C (kg/m³)	905, 915	ASTM D4052	Max 920	Custody transfer calculations
Sulfur Content (wt%)	4.0, 4.8	ASTM D4294	Max 5.0	Desulfurization capacity planning
Total Acid Number (mg KOH/g)	0.5, 1.2	ASTM D664	Max 1.5	Corrosion potential assessment
Pour Point (°C)	-6 to -12	ASTM D97	Max -6	Cold weather handling logistics
Viscosity at 50°C (cSt)	180, 350	ASTM D445	Max 500	Pumping and pipeline design
Nickel (ppm)	45, 65	ASTM D5708	Max 70	Catalyst poisoning risk
Vanadium (ppm)	160, 220	ASTM D5708	Max 250	Fouling and catalyst deactivation
Sodium (ppm)	8, 15	ASTM D3230	Max 20	Desalter efficiency target
Mercury (ppb)	< 10	ASTM D7623	Max 30	Environmental compliance
IBP, 150°C (Naphtha) (vol%)	12, 16	ASTM D2892	Min 10	Light ends recovery value
150, 200°C (Kerosene) (vol%)	8, 11	ASTM D2892	Min 7	Jet fuel blending component
200, 343°C (Gas Oil) (vol%)	22, 26	ASTM D2892	Min 20	Diesel and heating oil yield
343°C+ (Residue) (vol%)	45, 52	ASTM D2892	Max 55	Coker/visbreaker feed volume

This table reflects the standard export assay provided by SOMO for term contract nominations. Refiners use the residue volume and metals content to calculate coking capacity requirements while the TAN and sulfur figures drive desulfurization and corrosion mitigation capital expenditure. The distillation cuts show a relatively low light ends yield compared to medium grades which shifts the economic value toward bottom-of-barrel upgrading economics.

Basrah Heavy vs Basrah Medium vs Basrah Light Grade Comparison

How does Basrah Heavy differ from Basrah Medium and Basrah Light in quality and refining value? The three Iraqi export grades serve distinct refinery configurations with Basrah Heavy requiring the highest conversion capacity. Basrah Heavy exports fell 0.4% to 1.018 million b/d in the month reported (September) according to Hellenic Shipping News, reflecting its stable role in the global heavy sour market.

Parameter	Basrah Light	Basrah Medium	Basrah Heavy
API Gravity	33.5, 34.5	29, 30	23.5, 24.5
Sulfur Content (wt%)	1.9, 2.1	~2.0	4.0, 4.8
TAN (mg KOH/g)	0.1, 0.3	0.3, 0.5	0.5, 1.2
Naphtha Yield (vol%)	22, 25	18, 20	12, 16
Residue Yield (vol%)	35, 38	40, 43	45, 52
Vanadium (ppm)	20, 35	60, 80	160, 220
Typical OSP Differential vs Dubai	Premium	Slight Discount	Deep Discount

The comparison table illustrates the step-change in processing severity across the Iraqi slate. Basrah Light suits hydroskimming and moderate cracking refineries while Basrah Heavy demands deep conversion units such as cokers or hydrocrackers to unlock value from the high residue yield. The vanadium concentration in Basrah Heavy is roughly five times that of Basrah Light which imposes strict catalyst management and additive costs. Refiners selecting between grades balance the OSP discount against their specific conversion margin and metallurgy constraints.

API Gravity and Sulfur Spread Across Grades

API gravity and sulfur spread across grades defines the fundamental processing pathway for each Iraqi crude. According to Iraq Business News (2020 announcement), Basrah Medium at 29-30 API with similar sulfur content increases the vacuum gas oil fraction but maintains manageable contaminant levels. Basrah Heavy at 24 API and 4.05 percent sulfur requires high severity hydroprocessing or coking to meet product specifications and environmental regulations according to S&P Global Platts (2021, effective 1 Jan 2021). The sulfur differential between Light and Heavy translates directly to hydrogen consumption and amine treating capacity.

Light Ends Yield Comparison for Naphtha and Kerosene

Light ends yield comparison for naphtha and kerosene reveals the gasoline and jet fuel production potential across the Iraqi slate. Basrah Light delivers 22-25 percent naphtha plus 12-14 percent kerosene providing strong light product margins. Basrah Medium yields 18-20 percent naphtha and 10-12 percent kerosene reflecting its intermediate density. Basrah Heavy produces only 12-16 percent naphtha and 8-11 percent kerosene shifting the economic burden to middle distillate and residue upgrading. Refiners with petrochemical integration value the higher naphtha yield of lighter grades for ethylene cracking feedstock.

Residue Volume and Quality Differences

Residue volume and quality differences determine the bottom-of-barrel investment required for each grade. Basrah Light leaves 35-38 percent atmospheric residue with moderate asphaltene and metals content suitable for visbreaking or mild hydrocracking. Basrah Medium residue at 40-43 percent volume contains higher Conradson carbon requiring more severe conversion. Basrah Heavy residue at 45-52 percent volume carries 160-220 ppm vanadium and 45-65 ppm nickel which poisons FCC catalysts and demands dedicated residue hydrotreating or delayed coking with metals passivation. The residue quality gap between Light and Heavy is wider than the volume gap suggests.

Refining Complexity Implications for Each Grade

Refining complexity implications for each grade dictate the minimum viable refinery configuration for economic processing. Basrah Light runs profitably in a 7-8 Nelson complexity index refinery with hydrocracking and moderate FCC capacity. Basrah Medium requires 9-10 complexity with residue hydrotreating or coking to handle the increased vacuum residue. Basrah Heavy demands 11+ complexity with deep conversion including delayed coking or residue hydrocracking plus robust sulfur recovery and hydrogen generation. The capital intensity step from Medium to Heavy exceeds the step from Light to Medium making grade selection a strategic capacity planning decision.

Refining Yield Profile for Basrah Heavy Crude

Typical product yields when processing Basrah Heavy Crude in a modern refinery show a naphtha yield, kerosene, light gas oil, heavy gas oil, vacuum gas oil, and vacuum residue by volume. The high residue fraction drives the requirement for deep conversion units. Iraq exported 1,243,496,885 barrels of crude oil in 2025 according to Shafaq News citing Iraq Oil Ministry figures, reflecting the sustained volume available for term contracts. Refiners adjust cut points to maximize middle distillates when diesel cracks are strong or shift severity toward VGO production for FCC feed when gasoline margins lead.

Naphtha and Light Distillate Yield Range

Naphtha and light distillate yield range for Basrah Heavy. The naphtha fraction carries a low octane rating and high naphthenic content requiring substantial reforming severity to reach gasoline pool specifications. Aromatics content typically sits below 15 percent making it a poor petrochemical feedstock without severe aromatization. Refiners often blend this naphtha with lighter grades or route it directly to the reformer rather than splitting light naphtha for isomerization. The initial boiling point cut at 350 degrees Fahrenheit captures the bulk of C5 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit material.

Middle Distillates Kerosene and Diesel Yields

Middle distillates kerosene and diesel yields combine for volume with kerosene and light gas oil. The kerosene fraction meets smoke point and freeze point specifications for jet fuel after mild hydrotreating. The diesel fraction has a high cetane index but elevated sulfur at 1.5 to 2.5 weight percent requiring deep hydrodesulfurization to meet 10 ppm road specs. Cloud point ranges from minus 5 to 5 degrees Celsius allowing winter blending flexibility. Refiners often adjust the 350 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit cut to balance jet and diesel output.

Vacuum Gas Oil and Residue Volume Percentages

Vacuum gas oil and residue volume percentages total with VGO and vacuum residue. The VGO fraction has a Conradson carbon residue of 4 to 6 weight percent and sulfur of 3.5 to 4.2 weight percent making it suitable for FCC feed after hydrotreating or for hydrocracker feed directly. The vacuum residue carries 160 to 220 ppm vanadium and 45 to 65 ppm nickel requiring metals passivation in FCC or dedicated residue hydrocracking. Asphaltene content of 8 to 12 percent limits visbreaking severity.

Impact of Refinery Configuration on Actual Yields

Impact of refinery configuration on actual yields shifts product slate by 5 to 8 percentage points between fractions. A hydrocracking configuration maximizes diesel and kerosene at the expense of VGO pushing middle distillates above 28 percent. A coking configuration maximizes light liquids from residue conversion yielding additional naphtha and light gas oil but produces petroleum coke. An FCC configuration maximizes gasoline and LPG from VGO with residue sent to fuel oil blending. The Nelson complexity index must exceed 11 for economic Basrah Heavy processing.

Fraction	Volume Percent Range	Key Quality Parameter	Typical Disposition
Naphtha	12-16%	Low octane, <15% aromatics	Reformer feed
Kerosene	8-11%	Smoke point >25mm, freeze <-47C	Jet fuel after hydrotreating
Light Gas Oil	10-13%	Sulfur 1.5-2.5 wt%, high cetane	Diesel after deep HDS
Heavy Gas Oil	14-18%	CCR 2-4 wt%, sulfur 3-3.8 wt%	FCC/Hydrocracker feed
Vacuum Gas Oil	18-22%	CCR 4-6 wt%, sulfur 3.5-4.2 wt%	Hydrocracker/FCC feed
Vacuum Residue	25-30%	V 160-220 ppm, Ni 45-65 ppm	Coker/Resid hydrocracker

The table above summarizes the typical yield structure for Basrah Heavy Crude processed in a complex refinery. The VGO fraction at 18 to 22 percent provides substantial feed for hydrocracking or FCC units. Naphtha yield at 12 to 16 percent is lower than Basrah Light but the reformer feed quality is consistent.

Contaminant Limits and Quality Control Parameters

Maximum allowable limits for sediment water metals and other contaminants in Basrah Heavy exports are defined in the standard SOMO term contract specifications. BS&W is capped at 0.5 percent volume at loading. Total chloride is limited to 10 ppm weight with organic chloride capped at 1 ppm weight to prevent overhead corrosion in crude units. Mercury is limited to 10 ppb weight. Arsenic is capped at 0.5 ppm weight. Vanadium and nickel in the whole crude typically run 60 to 85 ppm and 15 to 25 ppm respectively but are not contractual limits. Loading port certification by independent inspectors verifies compliance before Bill of Lading issuance.

Sediment and Water (BS&W) Maximum Limits

Sediment and water BS&W maximum limits are set at 0.5 percent volume at the loading port. The measurement follows ASTM D4007 or equivalent centrifuge method at cargo temperature. Exceedance triggers price adjustment clauses or rejection rights under the SOMO contract. Typical loaded cargoes run 0.1 to 0.3 percent BS&W after electrostatic dehydration and desalting at the Al Basrah Oil Terminal. Free water content must be zero by visual inspection. The low BS&W spec protects refinery desalters from solids loading and emulsion upset.

Chloride and Organic Chloride Thresholds

Chloride and organic chloride thresholds are 10 ppm total chloride and 1 ppm organic chloride maximum at loading. Total chloride includes inorganic salts from formation water carryover. Organic chloride originates from well treatment chemicals and is the primary corrosion risk forming HCl in preheat trains. Analysis uses ASTM D4929 for organic chloride and potentiometric titration for total chloride. Cargoes exceeding 1 ppm organic chloride require caustic wash or blending mitigation at the refinery. SOMO monitors injection chemical dosages at the field level to control organic chloride generation.

Mercury Arsenic and Other Trace Metal Caps

Mercury arsenic and other trace metal caps are set at 10 ppb mercury and 0.5 ppm arsenic maximum. Mercury spec protects aluminum heat exchangers in cryogenic units and catalyst life in Claus plants. Arsenic limit protects noble metal reforming catalysts and hydrotreating catalysts from irreversible poisoning. Analysis uses cold vapor atomic absorption for mercury and hydride generation atomic absorption for arsenic. These trace metals concentrate in the naphtha and kerosene fractions making the specs critical for product quality. Typical cargoes run 2 to 5 ppb mercury and 0.1 to 0.3 ppm arsenic.

Quality Certification and Loading Port Analysis Procedures

Quality certification and loading port analysis procedures require independent inspector witness at Al Basrah Oil Terminal or Khor Al Amaya. Saybolt, Intertek, or SGS inspectors draw composite samples per ASTM D4177 during loading. On-site laboratory runs the full contractual assay including API gravity, sulfur, BS&W, chlorides, mercury, arsenic, pour point, and Reid vapor pressure. Certificates of Quality and Quantity are issued before vessel departure. Buyers receive provisional results via secure portal within 4 hours of sampling completion. Final certificates follow within 48 hours. Dispute resolution follows the contract arbitration clause with umpire inspector binding decision.

Contaminant	Contract Limit	Test Method	Typical Loaded Value	Primary Risk
BS&W	0.5% vol max	ASTM D4007	0.1-0.3% vol	Desalter overload, emulsion
Total Chloride	10 ppm wt max	Potentiometric titration	3-7 ppm wt	Overhead corrosion HCl
Organic Chloride	1 ppm wt max	ASTM D4929	0.2-0.8 ppm wt	Preheat train corrosion
Mercury	10 ppb wt max	Cold vapor AAS	2-5 ppb wt	Al exchanger failure, catalyst poison
Arsenic	0.5 ppm wt max	Hydride generation AAS	0.1-0.3 ppm wt	Reformer catalyst poison

The table above lists the contractual contaminant limits for Basrah Heavy export cargoes with typical loaded values and primary refinery risks. BS&W at 0.5 percent maximum is standard for Iraqi grades. The organic chloride limit of 1 ppm is stricter than some regional grades reflecting SOMO focus on corrosion control. Mercury at 10 ppb and arsenic at 0.5 ppm align with major refinery feedstock specifications. Independent inspector certification at loading provides the commercial basis for quality claims under the SOMO term contract.

Export Logistics Loading Ports and Parcel Sizes

Basrah Oil Terminal Berth Specifications and Draft Limits

Basrah Heavy crude oil is loaded primarily at the Basrah Oil Terminal (BOT) which features four single-point mooring (SPM) buoys and two conventional berths. The SPM buoys accommodate Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) up to 320,000 DWT with a maximum draft of 22.5 meters. The conventional berths handle Suezmax vessels up to 165,000 DWT with a draft limit of 16.5 meters. All berths connect to shore tanks via subsea pipelines rated for high-volume transfer. Vessel vetting by SOMO requires valid OCIMF SIRE inspection records and compliance with International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. Ballast water management certificates must align with IMO D-2 standards before arrival at the anchorage.

Khor al-Amaya Single Point Mooring Operations

Khor al-Amaya (KAA) operates two SPM buoys dedicated to VLCC loading with a maximum vessel size of 300,000 DWT and draft restriction of 21.5 meters. The terminal connects to the Zubair and Rumaila field gathering systems through 48-inch subsea lines. Loading operations at KAA run 24 hours subject to weather limits; operations suspend when sustained winds exceed 25 knots or significant wave height surpasses 2.5 meters. The terminal lacks conventional alongside berths so all cargoes load via flexible hoses from the buoy manifold. Vessels must present a valid International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate and demonstrate inert gas system functionality prior to mooring.

Standard Parcel Sizes for VLCC and Suezmax Vessels

Standard Basrah Heavy export parcels vary based on vessel size and terminal capacity. SOMO permits partial parcels down to 135,000 barrels for Suezmax and 1,000,000 barrels for VLCC subject to terminal scheduler approval. Co-loading of Basrah Heavy with Basrah Medium or Basrah Light on the same vessel is prohibited under standard term contracts. Parcel nominations must be declared 15 days before the loading window. Volume tolerance is minus 1 percent to plus 2 percent of nominated quantity, as outlined in the 2020 announcement by Iraq Business News. Vessels arriving with ullage exceeding 3 percent of parcel size may face nomination penalties for subsequent liftings, a practice noted in the 2021 allocation context by Hellenic Shipping News.

Loading Rates Demurrage Terms and Documentation

Design loading rates at BOT SPMs reach 60,000 barrels per hour per hose with dual-hose connection standard for VLCCs. KAA buoys achieve 50,000 barrels per hour single hose. Laytime commences six hours after Notice of Readiness tendered during working hours. Demurrage applies at Worldscale flat rate after 72 hours for VLCC and 48 hours for Suezmax. Required documents include Bill of Lading issued by SOMO, Certificate of Origin from the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Quality Certificate from the independent inspector (typically Saybolt or Intertek), and Quantity Certificate based on vessel experience factor. The Bill of Lading clausing "weight and quality unknown" remains standard for Iraqi exports.

Pricing Mechanism Official Selling Price Formula

Monthly OSP Announcement Timeline and Retroactivity

SOMO announces Basrah Heavy Official Selling Prices (OSP) around the 5th of each month for the following month's loadings. The OSP applies retroactively to all Bill of Lading dates within the pricing month. Buyers receive the official price notification via SOMO's secure portal and confirmed term contract amendment. Price changes take effect at 00:01 hours Baghdad time on the first day of the pricing month. Retroactive adjustments for prior month loadings occur only if SOMO issues a formal price revision which is rare. Term contract holders must confirm lifting nominations before the 15th of the preceding month to lock the announced OSP.

Dubai Oman Average Benchmark Calculation Method

Basrah Heavy OSP is priced as a differential to the monthly average of Platts Dubai and Platts Oman assessments. The benchmark calculates the arithmetic mean of daily Platts Dubai and Platts Oman front-month swap values for the M1 contract month across all trading days in the pricing month. SOMO applies a fixed dollar-per-barrel discount to this average for Basrah Heavy. The differential reflects the grade's lower API gravity and higher sulfur content relative to the benchmark crudes. The Dubai/Oman average uses the same calendar month as the loading period ensuring alignment between physical cargo pricing and paper market hedging instruments.

Destination Differentials for Asia Europe Americas

SOMO sets distinct OSP differentials for three destination groups: Asia-Pacific, Europe/Mediterranean, and Americas. The Asia differential typically carries the smallest discount reflecting shorter voyage economics and higher demand density. Europe differentials incorporate Suez Canal transit costs and Mediterranean refinery configuration preferences. Americas differentials account for longer freight routes to the US Gulf Coast and West Coast and competitive pressure from Latin American heavy grades. Destination is declared at nomination and cannot change after Bill of Lading issuance. Arbitrage cargoes moving between regions after loading do not qualify for destination price adjustments.

Relationship to Basrah Medium and Light OSP Spreads

Basrah Heavy OSP typically trades at a discount to Basrah Medium and Basrah Light on an FOB basis. These spreads widen when high-sulfur fuel oil cracks weaken and narrow when complex refinery margins improve. SOMO manages the inter-grade spread structure to optimize total revenue across the export portfolio. The spread relationship signals relative value for refineries choosing between Iraqi grades. Term contract buyers often hold allocation rights across multiple grades allowing them to optimize slate composition monthly based on prevailing OSP differentials and refining economics.

Assay Data Sources and Verification Protocols

SOMO Official Assay Publications and Updates

SOMO publishes the definitive commercial assay for Basrah Heavy through its crude oil marketing department and distributes updated versions to term contract holders each quarter. The official document lists bulk properties such as API gravity, sulfur content, total acid number, pour point, and metals concentrations alongside a full true boiling point distillation curve. Refiners use this assay as the baseline for term cargo nominations and for configuring linear programming models. SOMO revises the assay when reservoir performance shifts or when new well connections alter the composite blend, typically issuing a formal amendment notice 30 days before the effective loading month. Buyers should request the current version directly from their SOMO crude oil sales representative before finalizing annual term contracts.

BP and Major Oil Company Independent Assays

BP, as the field operator for the Rumaila complex that feeds Basrah Heavy, maintains a detailed reservoir fluid characterization program that produces internal assay data more granular than the SOMO commercial summary. Major refining purchasers including Shell, ExxonMobil, Sinopec, and Reliance commission their own independent assays on first cargoes or when switching supply sources. These proprietary assays expand on SOMO data with detailed SARA fractions, mercury speciation, naphthenic acid corrosion curves, and compatibility indices. Refiners without operator access typically rely on the SOMO assay supplemented by inspector certificates for cargo-specific verification.

Inspector Role at Load Port and Discharge Port

Independent inspectors such as Intertek, SGS, and Bureau Veritas witness loading at Al Basrah Oil Terminal and Khor Al Amaya and issue the Certificate of Quality and Quantity that accompanies the Bill of Lading. At the load port they pull composite samples from the shore tank composite and the vessel manifold using ASTM D4177 automatic sampling and test for API gravity, sulfur, water, sediment, and pour point per ASTM D4052, D4294, D4007, and D97 respectively. At the discharge port the same inspector or a buyer-nominated surveyor repeats the core tests on the vessel composite sample to detect any quality change during transit. The discharge certificate forms the basis for any quality claims under the SOMO standard contract.

Certificate of Quality and Quantity Dispute Resolution

The Certificate of Quality and Quantity issued at the load port is the primary commercial document for cargo valuation. If discharge port results fall outside the SOMO specification tolerances the buyer must notify SOMO in writing within 30 days of discharge completion and request a joint umpire analysis. The umpire laboratory, typically a mutually agreed major inspector, tests the retained load port and discharge port samples simultaneously. SOMO contracts stipulate that the umpire result is final and binding for price adjustment calculations. Quantity disputes follow a similar path using vessel experience factors and shore tank gauging records. Most disputes resolve within 60 days through the umpire mechanism without arbitration.

Trade Crude Oil on Global Trade Plaza: crude oil on Global Trade Plaza, crude oil suppliers and exporters, crude oil buyers and importers, merey 16 crude oil, crude oil petroleum buy requirement, petroleum oil related products on Global Trade Plaza, kazakhstan export blend crude oil kebco, crude oil mandate, crude oil bonny light crude oil.

Related reading: Top 10 B2B Websites to Buy Jet Fuel in Bulk.

Conclusion

Basrah Heavy Crude Oil demands a refinery configuration with a Nelson complexity index of 11 or higher to process its high residue yield and metals content economically. Contractual limits on sulfur, vanadium, nickel, TAN, chlorides, and BS&W define the quality window that triggers price adjustments or cargo rejection, while standard parcel sizes of two million barrels for VLCCs and 270,000 barrels for Suezmax vessels at Basrah Oil Terminal set the logistical framework for every term nomination and spot lift.

Refiners must align coking or residue hydrocracking capacity, hydrogen generation, and sulfur recovery against the assay profile to protect catalyst life and meet product specifications. Verify current SOMO assay updates and terminal programs before finalizing nominations, and use Global Trade Plaza to identify qualified counterparties for term discussions or spot transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the API gravity and sulfur content of Basrah Heavy Crude Oil?

Basrah Heavy Crude Oil has an API gravity of 23.5 to 24.5 degrees and a sulfur content of 4.0 to 4.8 weight percent. According to SOMO export specifications effective 1 January 2021, the grade is defined at 24 degrees API and 4.05% sulfur per S&P Global Platts.

How does Basrah Heavy crude assay compare to Basrah Medium and Basrah Light?

Basrah Heavy is significantly heavier and more sour than the other Iraqi grades at 24 API and 4.5 percent sulfur versus Basrah Medium at 29-30 API with 2 percent sulfur and Basrah Light at 34 API with 2 percent sulfur. Basrah Heavy also carries five times the vanadium of Basrah Light and yields 45-52 percent residue compared to 35-38 percent for Basrah Light.

What are the typical refining yields for naphtha diesel and fuel oil from Basrah Heavy?

Typical yields are 12-16 percent naphtha, 8-11 percent kerosene, 10-13 percent light gas oil, and 14-18 percent heavy gas oil by volume. The combined vacuum gas oil and residue fraction totals 43-52 percent, requiring deep conversion units to maximize middle distillate recovery.

What are the maximum allowable sediment and water limits for Basrah Heavy exports?

The maximum allowable basic sediment and water (BS&W) limit is 0.5 percent volume at loading per ASTM D4007. Typical cargoes generally run below this limit in practice.

Which loading ports handle Basrah Heavy crude oil shipments?

Basrah Heavy crude oil is loaded at the Basrah Oil Terminal for VLCCs and at Khor al-Amaya for Suezmax vessels. Co-loading at these terminals is prohibited under standard export operations.

How is the Basrah Heavy Official Selling Price calculated each month?

The Official Selling Price (OSP) for Basrah Heavy is set monthly by SOMO as a differential to the Dubai/Oman average benchmark, typically reflecting a deep discount relative to Basrah Light and Basrah Medium. The final price incorporates quality adjustments for API gravity and sulfur deviations from the contractual baseline.

What are the nickel and vanadium concentrations in Basrah Heavy crude?

Nickel content ranges from 45 to 65 ppm with a contractual maximum of 70 ppm, while vanadium ranges from 160 to 220 ppm with a maximum of 250 ppm. Both metals are measured via ASTM D5708 and drive catalyst additive and passivation costs.

What vessel sizes are used to transport Basrah Heavy crude oil?

Standard export parcels are shipped on Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) at Basrah Oil Terminal and Suezmax vessels at Khor al-Amaya. Vessel vetting and draft restrictions apply at each terminal.

How does Basrah Heavy quality compare to Arab Heavy and Merey 16?

Basrah Heavy at 24 API and 4.5 percent sulfur is comparable to Arab Heavy (27-28 API, 2.8-3.0 percent sulfur) but significantly more sour, while Merey 16 (16-17 API, 3.5-4.0 percent sulfur) is heavier but slightly less sour. Basrah Heavy's vanadium content of 160-220 ppm generally exceeds Arab Heavy but is lower than typical Merey 16 levels.

What are the standard payment terms for Basrah Heavy crude purchases?

Standard payment terms for Basrah Heavy term contracts are irrevocable letters of credit at sight or 30-60 days after bill of lading date, denominated in US dollars. Spot cargoes typically require payment via confirmed letter of credit at sight or telegraphic transfer within a defined window after loading.

What quality certificates are issued at the loading port for Basrah Heavy?

At the loading port, the independent inspector issues a certificate of quantity and a certificate of quality covering API gravity, sulfur, BS&W, TAN, pour point, viscosity, and metals content per the contractual test methods. These certificates form the basis for final pricing and title transfer.

What are the main supply risks for Basrah Heavy crude oil exports?

Main supply risks include geopolitical instability in southern Iraq, terminal maintenance or weather delays at Basrah Oil Terminal and Khor al-Amaya, OPEC+ quota adherence limiting liftings, and occasional quality excursions on sulfur or metals that trigger buyer rejection or price renegotiation.

Sources

• Iraq Business News (2020 announcement): Basrah Medium crude specification
• Hellenic Shipping News (September (year as published on the source page)): Basrah Heavy export volume
• Shafaq News (citing Iraq Oil Ministry) (2025): Iraq total crude oil exports
• S&P Global Platts (2021 (effective 1 Jan 2021)): Basrah Heavy crude specification