Iraq restarted flows through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline at the end of September after a suspension of over two years. Loadings at port of Ceyhan have subsequently resumed, with multiple tankers lifting Kirkuk Blend for Mediterranean destinations. A broader ramp-up in volumes is expected as infrastructure and commercial arrangements settle into place. Future exports volumes arriving via the pipeline into Ceyhan are targeted to reach around 200,000 bpd.
Shipments began at the start of October at Turkey’s Ceyhan terminal. The Vallesina was first to lift post-restart, loading roughly 700,000 bbls of Kirkuk Blend on 2 October for Thessaloniki in Greece.
Next, the Poliegos loaded over 1mn bbls on 9 October, followed by the Minerva Clara, which took 663,000 bbls— both listing Augusta as destination. While Augusta was the declared destination, it often serves as a waypoint for deliveries to other Mediterranean ports.
Interested in tracking shipped volumes after the Iraqi pipeline restart? Wood Mackenzie's Russian Crude Report visibility into Ceyhan loadings and evolving flows.
