Tankers Expected In Iraq

Iraqi crude oil exports from two U.N.-approved loading ports remained on hold on Thursday but could resume later in the day with the expected arrival of two vessels, shipping sources said. "If they arrive, then loadings might start today," said one. Majestic Unity, which was due to take on two milllion barrels of Basrah Light, was due to arrive shortly at the Gulf port of Mina al-Bakr after a one-day delay, the sources said. No loadings have taken place at Mina al-Bakr since a tanker set sail on Saturday. Amazon Eagle, which was also due to load two million barrels of Iraqi sour Kirkuk, was expected on Thursday at the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Eclipse was due to arrive on Friday to take on one million barrels of crude. The sources said bad weather in the Mediterranean had been causing some delays. - (Reuters)