Archives March 2026

Container vessel approaching Jeddah port under clear skies, symbolizing Middle East shipping stability.

Maersk Resumes Limited Middle East Bookings and Creates a New Window for Stable Pentane Hexane and Heptane Supply

Maersk has announced the partial resumption of bookings to selected Middle East ports starting 16 March. After two weeks of suspension caused by regional instability, this controlled reopening offers a short but important opportunity for chemical importers who depend on consistent supply of hydrocarbon solvents such as n Pentane Iso Pentane n Hexane and n Heptane.

The reopening is limited in scope. Maersk is only accepting port to port shipments and only to ports that do not require transit through the Strait of Hormuz. This approach reduces exposure to the highest risk zone and allows a restricted but workable shipping channel for essential cargo.

According to Maersk, bookings are now accepted to Jeddah King Abdullah Port Aqaba Sohar and Khor Fakkan imports only. Inland services remain suspended and most cargo will move through regional transshipment hubs such as Tanjung Pelepas. Schedule fluctuations and space constraints should be expected as the situation continues to evolve.

For buyers of hydrocarbon solvents this development is significant. Only suppliers with flexible routing multiple carrier options and fully compliant DG documentation can deliver reliably under the current conditions. Many producers are facing delays or cancellations. Our supply chain remains stable and fully operational.

We continue to offer consistent export capacity for n Pentane and Iso Pentane for PU and PIR foam insulation and aerosol applications n Hexane for adhesives extraction and industrial processing n Heptane for electronics cleaning pharma intermediates and high purity uses Custom hydrocarbon blends tailored to downstream manufacturing needs

We can ship to all ports currently reopened by Maersk including Jeddah Saudi Arabia King Abdullah Port Saudi Arabia Aqaba Jordan Sohar Oman Khor Fakkan United Arab Emirates import only

Our logistics team provides DG compliant packaging updated routing options alternative carrier solutions and real time adjustments to avoid high risk zones. This ensures continuity of supply even when the regional shipping environment remains unpredictable.

With freight volatility rising and booking windows tightening many buyers are securing Pentane Hexane and Heptane shipments earlier than usual. Our production and export schedules remain stable and we can support customers who need reliable planning for the coming weeks.

If your operations in Saudi Arabia Jordan Oman or the UAE require a dependable supply of Pentane Hexane Heptane or specialty hydrocarbon solvents our team can provide updated availability and shipment planning based on the latest Maersk policies.

Contact us to secure your shipment window before the next policy change.

Key Takeaways

  • Maersk resumes limited bookings to select Middle East ports starting March 16, after a two-week suspension.
  • The reopening only allows port-to-port shipments, avoiding the Strait of Hormuz to minimize risk.
  • Chemical importers of hydrocarbon solvents like n Pentane, n Hexane, and n Heptane must ensure compliance for reliable deliveries.
  • Buyers are advised to secure their shipments early due to rising freight volatility and tighter booking windows.
  • Our logistics team offers DG compliant packaging, updated routing options, and real-time adjustments to maintain supply continuity.

Industrial safety illustration showing chemical drums with flammable hazard symbols and flash point signage

Flash Points of Key Hydrocarbons and Sulfur Chemicals

Flash Points of Key Hydrocarbons and Sulfur Chemicals (C5–C7, TBPS, DMDS)

Flash point is one of the most important safety parameters for handling flammable liquids. It determines how easily a chemical can ignite and directly influences storage, transportation, and operational safety requirements. This article provides a clear overview of the flash points for commonly used hydrocarbons (C5–C7) and sulfur‑based additives such as TBPS and DMDS.

Flash Points of Hydrocarbons (C5–C7)

n‑Pentane

  • Flash Point: approx. –49°C
  • Extremely flammable with a very low ignition threshold.
  • Widely used as a blowing agent and industrial solvent.

Iso‑pentane

  • Flash Point: approx. –51°C
  • Even more volatile than n‑Pentane.
  • Requires strict Class 3 flammable‑liquid handling procedures.

Cyclopentane

  • Flash Point: approx. –37°C
  • Commonly used in polyurethane foam production.
  • Classified as a highly flammable liquid.

n‑Hexane

  • Flash Point: approx. –22°C
  • A widely used solvent with a low flash point.
  • Requires proper ventilation and fire‑safe storage.

n‑Heptane

  • Flash Point: approx. –4°C
  • Higher flash point than C5 and C6 hydrocarbons but still flammable.
  • Used in coatings, cleaning agents, and laboratory applications.

Flash Points of Sulfur‑Based Chemicals

TBPS (Tert‑Butyl Polysulfide)

  • Flash Point: approx. 117°C
  • A high‑flash‑point sulfur additive, significantly safer than DMDS.
  • Preferred in refinery applications where safer handling and reduced odor are required.

DMDS (Dimethyl Disulfide)

  • Flash Point: approx. 17°C
  • Low flash point and strong odor.
  • Commonly used for catalyst sulfiding in hydrotreating units.

Flash Point Summary Table

ChemicalFlash Point (°C)Notes
n‑Pentane–49°CExtremely flammable
Iso‑pentane–51°CHighly volatile
Cyclopentane–37°CFlammable blowing agent
n‑Hexane–22°CLow flash point solvent
n‑Heptane–4°CFlammable liquid
TBPS117°CHigh‑flash‑point sulfur additive
DMDS17°CLow flash point sulfur chemical

Why Flash Point Matters

  • Determines flammability classification and regulatory requirements
  • Influences storage design, ventilation, and fire‑protection systems
  • Helps users choose safer alternatives, such as TBPS instead of DMDS
  • Critical for risk assessment in chemical manufacturing and refining operations

Key Takeaways

  • Flash point is a crucial safety parameter for handling flammable liquids, influencing storage and transportation.
  • Key hydrocarbons (C5–C7) have low flash points, making them highly flammable; examples include n-Pentane and Iso-pentane.
  • Sulfur-based chemicals like TBPS have high flash points, making them safer alternatives to substances like DMDS.
  • Understanding flash points helps with flammability classification, storage design, and risk assessment in chemical industries.
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