Basra Gas Company (BGC) confirmed today that its primary facilities remain fully operational following a high-profile maritime incident. In the early hours of Thursday, attackers targeted two oil tankers within Iraqi territorial waters. Despite the proximity of the attacks, BGC’s production and export capabilities remain stable.
This resilience protects the national energy infrastructure during the current period of regional volatility. The company continues to process raw gas reliably while maintaining a safe environment for all employees. BGC is working in close coordination with the Iraqi government to monitor evolving security conditions.
According to official statements, one of the targeted vessels, the ZEFYROS, was carrying condensates that BGC previously shipped. The tanker completed loading at the company’s offshore jetty on March 3 before moving to the anchorage area. It was waiting to load an additional cargo of naphtha from the State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO) when the strike occurred.
The preservation of BGC’s assets highlights the strength of Iraq’s southern energy infrastructure under pressure. No damage occurred at the company’s loading berths or subsea pipelines. BGC maintains that its ability to meet export contracts remains completely intact despite the maritime disruption.
The second vessel involved in the incident was the Marshall Islands-flagged SAFESEA VISHNU. Both tankers were positioned in a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer zone near the Basrah Oil Terminal when explosions occurred. While these attacks forced a temporary suspension of operations at several terminals, BGC’s gas processing plants continue their daily routines.
Protecting the energy infrastructure remains the highest priority for both the company and regional security forces. Specialized teams are currently conducting damage assessments on the affected tankers to prevent environmental hazards. BGC continues to adjust production as needed to respond to changing regional supply and demand.
Rescue operations saved 38 foreign crew members from the burning vessels, though officials confirmed at least one fatality. The Iraqi Ministry of Oil described the sabotage as a “wake-up call” regarding the safety of international maritime corridors. BGC is utilizing its advanced monitoring systems to ensure that no leakage from the tankers affects its own offshore operations.
The integrity of the energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf is essential for global market stability, especially as oil prices fluctuate. BGC’s partners, including Shell and Mitsubishi, receive regular updates on all security developments. The company reaffirms its commitment to maintaining the flow of gas for domestic power generation.
Looking forward, the Iraqi government may implement stricter naval escorts for commercial vessels departing from Basra’s ports. BGC will continue to coordinate with SOMO to ensure that enhanced security protocols cover future condensate shipments. The company advises its logistics partners to follow all updated maritime safety directives from the General Company for Ports of Iraq.
Maintaining the security of the energy infrastructure is vital for the country’s economic recovery and long-term stability. BGC will provide further updates if there are any changes to its export schedule. Ultimately, the company remains focused on safe, reliable, and sustainable gas production for Iraq.
