OPEC member Iraq has launched a major marine pipeline project in its southern oil hub of Basra, a strategic initiative aimed at significantly expanding the nation’s crude export capacity, according to state media.

Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani described the project as “one of the most strategic initiatives” undertaken by the ministry, calling it a “qualitative leap” for the country’s oil export system from its southern ports, the Iraqi News Agency reported.

The 48-inch pipeline is designed to carry up to 2.4 million barrels per day (bpd), with an initial operational capacity of 2 million bpd. 

Ghani said the new infrastructure will provide multiple export routes through the Basra oil terminal, the Khor Al-Amaya port, and a new floating platform.

Although the cost is not yet disclosed, the project involves laying 70 kilometers of pipeline, with 61 kilometers running offshore in the Persian Gulf and nine kilometers onshore. 

It also includes the construction of two offshore platforms, a floating export buoy, and a 60-kilometer dual marine cable for electricity and communications.

The Basra Oil Company signed the primary contract for the project in April 2025 with a Turkish-Italian consortium of ESTA Construction and MICOPERI.

With a scheduled execution period of 757 days, the pipeline is expected to be completed by the end of 2027