Iraq is pursuing ambitious plans to establish new westward export routes for its southern crude oil production, according to OilPrice. The initiative involves enlisting major energy and financial players including Chevron, U.S. investment firm Capital TI, and Qatar's UCC to conduct technical and financial feasibility studies for a dual-route pipeline system centered on a shared Basra-Haditha trunk line.
The two proposed pathways represent different geographic strategies for accessing Mediterranean export terminals. The first route would extend northward through Kirkuk to Turkey's Ceyhan port, while the alternative option would route crude southwestward through Syria to the port at Baniyas. Engineering firm KBR is conducting a parallel evaluation of the foundational Basra-Haditha section that would serve both routes.
The project reflects Iraq's effort to diversify its oil export infrastructure and reduce dependency on existing export corridors. By developing multiple pathways to the Mediterranean, Iraq aims to enhance its strategic flexibility in oil commerce and strengthen its position in regional energy markets.