Zhenhai Refining Bitumen
Last updated: 2026-10-06
Zhenhai Refining Bitumen: China's Premier Petrochemical-Grade Bitumen for Global Export
Zhenhai Refining bitumen (China Zhenhai Bitumen) is a petroleum-grade paving and industrial bitumen produced by Sinopec Zhenhai Refining & Chemical Company in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province — one of Asia's largest integrated refining complexes with a crude processing capacity of approximately 23 million tons per year. Standard export grades include penetration 60/70, 80/100, and 40/50, with FOB Ningbo pricing typically ranging between USD 380–520 per metric ton depending on grade, season, and crude feedstock costs. With a bitumen production capacity exceeding 2 million tons annually and dedicated bulk vessel + ISO tank loading infrastructure, Zhenhai is a top-tier sourcing option for importers in Southeast Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.
What Is Zhenhai Refining Bitumen?
Zhenhai Refining Bitumen is a penetration-grade and viscosity-grade petroleum bitumen manufactured at the Sinopec Zhenhai refinery using vacuum distillation and solvent de-asphalting processes. The refinery sources crude primarily from Middle Eastern blends (Saudi Arab Light, Kuwait Export Crude), which yield bitumen with consistent asphaltene content and excellent aging resistance.
Key production facts:
- Annual bitumen output: 2,000,000+ metric tons
- Primary grades: Pen 60/70, Pen 80/100, Pen 40/50, PG 64-22, PG 70-22
- Packaging: Bulk vessel, ISO tank, 150kg/180kg new steel drums, jumbo bags (1 MT)
- Export ports: Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (world's largest by cargo tonnage)
- Standard compliance: JTG F40-2004, ASTM D946, EN 12591, AASHTO M20
Zhenhai is a Sinopec Tier-1 bitumen brand, meaning it receives priority crude allocation and carries full traceability documentation — a critical advantage for government infrastructure tenders requiring certified origin.
Zhenhai Bitumen Grades & Technical Specifications
The table below compares the three most-exported Zhenhai grades against international standards:
| Property | Pen 60/70 | Pen 80/100 | Pen 40/50 | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penetration @25°C (0.1mm) | 60–70 | 80–100 | 40–50 | ASTM D5 |
| Softening Point (°C) | 49–56 | 45–52 | 52–60 | ASTM D36 |
| Ductility @25°C (cm) | ≥100 | ≥100 | ≥100 | ASTM D113 |
| Flash Point (°C) | ≥230 | ≥225 | ≥235 | ASTM D92 |
| Solubility in TCE (%) | ≥99.5 | ≥99.5 | ≥99.5 | ASTM D2042 |
| Density @25°C (g/cm³) | 1.01–1.05 | 1.01–1.05 | 1.02–1.06 | ASTM D70 |
| After TFOT Mass Loss (%) | ≤0.8 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.6 | ASTM D1754 |
| Retained Penetration (%) | ≥55 | ≥50 | ≥58 | ASTM D5 |
Grade selection guidance:
- Pen 60/70 — General road construction, hot mix asphalt (HMA), most common export grade (~55% of volume)
- Pen 80/100 — Cold climates, emulsion production, spray seal applications
- Pen 40/50 — High-temperature regions (Middle East, West Africa), heavy-duty pavements, airports
Pricing & Market Competitiveness
Zhenhai bitumen competes directly with SK Energy (South Korea), Shell (Singapore), and Iranian/Indian refineries. Below is a comparative snapshot (indicative Q3 pricing, FOB basis):
| Origin | Grade | FOB Price (USD/MT) | Lead Time (days) | Min Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhenhai (Sinopec) | Pen 60/70 | 420–460 | 20–30 | 500 MT |
| SK Energy (Korea) | Pen 60/70 | 440–480 | 15–25 | 1,000 MT |
| Shell Singapore | Pen 60/70 | 460–510 | 20–35 | 3,000 MT |
| Iran (Jey/Bandar) | Pen 60/70 | 370–410 | 30–45 | 5,000 MT |
| India (IOCL) | Pen 60/70 | 400–440 | 25–40 | 3,000 MT |
Iranian pricing subject to sanctions-related banking and shipping constraints.
Why Zhenhai wins on value:
- 5–10% price advantage vs. Korean and Singaporean equivalents
- Sinopec brand recognition accepted by most national road authorities
- Fast drum/IBC availability from Ningbo and Shanghai stockpiles
- Stable supply — no geopolitical shipping risk compared to Iranian cargo
Logistics, Packaging & Delivery Timelines
Zhenhai bitumen ships globally via Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, which handles over 1.2 billion tons of cargo annually. Export logistics breakdown:
| Packaging | Unit Size | Typical Order | Loading Port | Transit (SE Asia) | Transit (Africa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk vessel | 3,000–30,000 MT | Full cargo | Ningbo | 7–12 days | 25–40 days |
| ISO tank | 20–24 MT | 20–100 units | Ningbo/Shanghai | 8–14 days | 28–42 days |
| New steel drum | 150/180 kg | 500–5,000 MT | Ningbo | 10–18 days | 30–45 days |
| Jumbo bag | 1 MT | 500–3,000 MT | Ningbo | 10–18 days | 30–45 days |
Documentation turnaround: 5–7 working days for COA, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, and third-party inspection (SGS/BV/Intertek).
Typical total lead time from PO to delivery:
- Southeast Asia: 25–35 days
- Middle East: 30–40 days
- West Africa: 40–55 days
- Latin America: 45–60 days
Quality Assurance & Certification
Zhenhai bitumen undergoes triple-layer QC before export:
1. In-house refinery lab testing — every 500 MT batch sampled
2. Sinopec central lab verification — daily composite testing
3. Third-party inspection — SGS, BV, or Intertek at buyer's request
- ISO 9001:2015 certified production
- ISO 14001 environmental compliance
- REACH registration available for EU buyers
- ASTM/EN dual-standard COA issued with every shipment
Buyers frequently request retained samples sealed for 12 months — Zhenhai provides this as standard practice, a key trust factor for tender-based procurement.
FAQ: China Zhenhai Bitumen
Q1: What is the minimum order quantity for Zhenhai bitumen?
The minimum order quantity is typically 500 metric tons for drummed or jumbo bag shipments and 3,000 MT for bulk vessel cargo. ISO tank orders can start as low as 20 MT (one tank) for trial shipments.
Q2: What is the current price of Zhenhai Pen 60/70 bitumen?
Indicative FOB Ningbo pricing for Zhenhai Pen 60/70 ranges from USD 420–460 per metric ton, fluctuating with crude oil benchmarks and seasonal demand. Always request a live quotation as prices update weekly.
Q3: How long does shipping take from Zhenhai to major ports?
Transit time is 7–12 days to Southeast Asia, 25–40 days to Africa, and 45–60 days to Latin America, excluding 5–7 days for documentation and loading at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port.
Q4: Is Zhenhai bitumen compliant with international standards?
Yes — Zhenhai bitumen meets ASTM D946, EN 12591, AASHTO M20, and JTG F40-2004 specifications. Each shipment includes a dual-standard COA and optional SGS/BV inspection certificate.
Q5: Can I get a sample before placing a bulk order?
Yes, suppliers offer 5–20 kg samples shipped via DHL/FedEx within 3–5 working days, and 20 MT ISO tank trial orders are available for buyers validating refinery consistency before committing to full cargo volumes.
Calculate Your Landed Cost Instantly
Before you commit to a Zhenhai bitumen order, you need the true landed cost — not just the FOB price. Freight, insurance, drum deposits, port charges, and customs duties can add 15–30% to your final per-ton figure.
Use the 6Tar cost calculator to model:
- FOB vs. CIF pricing scenarios
- Bulk vs. drummed packaging economics
- Multi-origin comparisons (Zhenhai vs. Korea vs. Middle East)
- Delivered cost per MT to your destination port
→ Run your numbers now with the 6Tar calculator and lock in the most competitive Zhenhai bitumen quote for your next project.