Zhenhai Refining Bitumen
Last updated: 2026-09-29
Zhenhai Refining Bitumen: The Complete 2025 Guide to China's Premium Grade
Zhenhai Refining bitumen (also written as Zhenhai bitumen or china zhenhai bitumen) is a premium paving-grade asphalt produced by Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company, one of Asia's largest refineries, located in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province. Standard export grades include AH-70, AH-90, and Pen 60/70, with FOB Ningbo pricing typically ranging from USD 430–510 per metric ton in 2025, depending on grade, volume, and crude oil benchmarks. The refinery's bitumen output capacity exceeds 1.2 million metric tons annually, and shipments to Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East usually clear in 7–14 days from order confirmation.
What Is China Zhenhai Bitumen?
Zhenhai bitumen is a penetration-graded paving asphalt refined from Middle Eastern crude oil (primarily Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti blends) at Sinopec's Zhenhai refinery. It is one of the most widely traded Chinese bitumen brands in the export market, competing directly with SK bitumen (South Korea) and Shell bitumen.
Key production facts:
- **Refinery location:** Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China
- **Operator:** Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company (ZRCC)
- **Annual bitumen capacity:** 1.2+ million metric tons
- **Primary export grades:** AH-70, AH-90, Pen 60/70, Pen 80/100
- **Packaging options:** New steel drums (150 kg / 180 kg), bulk tanker, ISO tanks, flexitanks
- **Certification:** ISO 9001, ASTM D946, JTG F40-2004 compliant
Zhenhai bitumen is prized for consistent penetration values, low wax content, and stable viscosity — three factors that determine performance in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) applications.
Zhenhai Bitumen Specifications & Grade Comparison
The table below compares the three most-exported Zhenhai grades against standard test methods.
| Specification | AH-70 (Pen 60/70) | AH-90 (Pen 80/100) | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @ 25°C (0.1mm) | 60–70 | 80–100 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 46–54 | 42–52 | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @ 15°C (cm) | ≥100 | ≥100 | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (°C) | ≥230 | ≥230 | ASTM D92 |
| Solubility in TCE (%) | ≥99.0 | ≥99.0 | ASTM D2042 |
| Density @ 25°C (g/cm³) | 1.01–1.05 | 1.01–1.05 | ASTM D70 |
| Wax Content (%) | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 | DIN 52015 |
| After TFOT Mass Loss (%) | ≤0.8 | ≤0.8 | ASTM D1754 |
Which grade should you buy?
- **AH-70 / Pen 60/70** — Best for hot climates and heavy traffic roads in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
- **AH-90 / Pen 80/100** — Preferred for temperate climates and colder regions in Europe, Central Asia, and southern China.
- **Pen 40/50** — Available on request for specialized high-modulus applications (airport runways, racing circuits).
Zhenhai vs. Competing Bitumen Brands
Buyers frequently compare Zhenhai bitumen with Korean and Middle Eastern alternatives. Here's how the numbers stack up:
| Brand / Origin | FOB Price (USD/MT)* | Typical Penetration | Lead Time | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Zhenhai (China)** | 430–510 | 60/70, 80/100 | 7–14 days | Cost-effective, high volume |
| SK (South Korea) | 480–560 | 60/70, 80/100 | 10–18 days | Premium consistency |
| Shell (Singapore) | 520–600 | 60/70, 80/100 | 14–21 days | Brand recognition |
| Iran (Jey, Pasargad) | 400–470 | 60/70, 80/100 | 15–30 days | Lowest price, sanction risk |
| Bahrain (BAPCO) | 470–540 | 60/70 | 12–20 days | Mid-East reliability |
*Prices are indicative 2025 ranges; actual quotes vary with Brent crude, freight rates, and order volume.
Why buyers choose Zhenhai over alternatives:
- **15–20% cheaper than SK or Shell** for equivalent penetration grades
- **Enormous production capacity** — supports 5,000+ MT single orders without delay
- **Ningbo port logistics** — direct ocean routes to Lagos, Mombasa, Jakarta, Karachi, Jebel Ali
- **Sinopec-backed quality** — brand consistency across batches
Pricing, Logistics, and Payment Terms
| Order Volume | FOB Ningbo (USD/MT) | CIF West Africa (USD/MT) | CIF SE Asia (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100–500 MT | 490–510 | 620–660 | 540–570 |
| 500–2,000 MT | 460–485 | 590–630 | 510–540 |
| 2,000–5,000 MT | 440–465 | 570–610 | 490–520 |
| 5,000+ MT | 430–455 | 555–595 | 475–505 |
- **Southeast Asia (Jakarta, Manila, Bangkok):** 5–9 days
- **South Asia (Karachi, Mumbai, Chittagong):** 10–14 days
- **Middle East (Jebel Ali, Dammam):** 12–18 days
- **West Africa (Lagos, Tema, Abidjan):** 28–40 days
- **East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam):** 18–26 days
- **South America (Santos, Callao):** 30–45 days
- **30% T/T deposit + 70% against B/L copy** — most common
- **100% irrevocable L/C at sight** — for orders above 1,000 MT
- **CAD (Cash Against Documents)** — for repeat buyers with established history
- **D/P at sight** — occasionally accepted for verified trade references
Quality Assurance: How to Verify Zhenhai Bitumen Authenticity
Counterfeit Chinese bitumen is a real risk in the export market. Buyers should always request:
1. Mill Test Certificate (MTC) issued by ZRCC's lab, matching the batch number on the drum
2. SGS or Intertek pre-shipment inspection at the port of loading
3. Third-party lab analysis at the destination port (ASTM D5, D36, D113)
4. Drum seal verification — genuine Zhenhai drums carry laser-etched batch codes
5. Refinery authorization letter from the trading company, confirming direct supply relationship
Red flags to watch:
- Quoted price more than **8% below market** — likely Iranian relabeled stock
- No batch number traceability
- Seller refuses SGS inspection at loading
- Drums lack Sinopec branding or batch coding
FAQ: China Zhenhai Bitumen
Q1: What is the price of Zhenhai bitumen in 2025?
Zhenhai bitumen FOB Ningbo typically trades between USD 430 and 510 per metric ton in 2025, with bulk orders above 2,000 MT landing at the lower end. CIF prices add USD 60–150 per ton depending on destination and freight rates.
Q2: Which grades of Zhenhai bitumen are available for export?
The most-exported grades are AH-70 (Pen 60/70) and AH-90 (Pen 80/100), with Pen 40/50 available for specialized projects. All grades are producible in 150 kg and 180 kg new steel drums, bulk vessels, ISO tanks, and flexitanks.
Q3: How long does shipping take from China to Africa?
Shipping from Ningbo to West Africa takes 28–40 days, while East Africa (Mombasa, Dar es Salaam) is 18–26 days. Adding 7–10 days for production and inspection, plan for 35–50 days total from order to arrival in West Africa.
Q4: Is Zhenhai bitumen better than SK bitumen?
Zhenhai and SK bitumen are technically comparable for Pen 60/70 applications, but Zhenhai is typically 15–20% cheaper at FOB. SK has stronger brand recognition in premium markets; Zhenhai offers better value for cost-sensitive projects in Africa and South Asia.
Q5: What payment terms do Zhenhai bitumen suppliers accept?
Most suppliers accept 30% T/T deposit + 70% against B/L copy, with L/C at sight available for orders above 1,000 MT. For established buyers, CAD and D/P at sight are often negotiable after the second or third transaction.
Calculate Your Zhenhai Bitumen Import Cost Instantly
Before you request a quotation, run the numbers yourself. Use the [6Tar cost calculator](https://6tar.com/cost-calculator) to estimate your total landed cost per metric ton — including FOB price, ocean freight, insurance, port charges, customs duties, and inland transport to your project site.
What the 6Tar calculator gives you:
- Real-time **FOB-to-CIF breakdown** for Zhenhai bitumen routes
- **Duty and tax estimates** by destination country
- **Cost per square meter** for paving projects
- Side-by-side comparison of **AH-70 vs. Pen 60/70** landed costs
Stop guessing. Get a precise import budget in under 60 seconds — then negotiate with confidence.
[→ Open the 6Tar Cost Calculator](https://6tar.com/cost-calculator)