Farhad Shahraki told Shana that the unit effectively serves as the backbone of processing at South Azadegan. With the second train coming online, the field’s oil processing capacity will increase on a sustained basis, easing operational bottlenecks related to separation, desalting, stabilization and crude transfer.

He said the project carries several major benefits, including stabilizing the field’s nameplate production and reducing the risk of output declines caused by surface constraints, enabling simultaneous production management with greater operational flexibility, improving the quality of delivered crude to meet export and refining standards, and reducing flaring while enhancing environmental indicators in the area.

From a strategic perspective, Shahraki said, the unit is not only vital for South Azadegan but also serves as a processing hub for neighboring West Karoun fields such as Yaran and Yadavaran, as well as future developments. He said it supports phased development and helps raise recovery factors across the region.

Strengthening the supply chain and sustainable employment

Shahraki noted that completion of the central processing facility strengthens integration across production, processing and crude transfer, reducing the risk of unplanned disruptions in the supply chain. He said this directly supports export stability, boosts foreign currency revenues and enhances the oil industry’s resilience to operational and sanctions-related shocks.

He added that the project’s employment impact extends beyond the construction phase. During execution, thousands of skilled, semi-skilled and local workers were employed in civil works, mechanical and electrical operations, instrumentation and support services. In the operational phase, the facility has created stable jobs in operations, maintenance, safety and environmental protection. He said the development has also indirectly stimulated activity among contractors, equipment manufacturers, technical service providers, transport firms and local businesses in Khuzestan province.

Shahraki emphasized that the South Azadegan central processing unit is not merely an infrastructure project but a driver of sustainable development in West Karoun. By expanding processing capacity, improving efficiency at shared fields, reducing resource losses, strengthening energy security and creating lasting employment, he said, the project contributes significantly to the oil sector’s broader objectives and the national economy, serving as a successful example of completing the upstream oil value chain.

He said the effort should continue at pace through completion of additional trains, development of supporting infrastructure and maximum integration of neighboring fields to ensure the country derives the greatest possible value from its hydrocarbon resources.