Omid Kiani, Manager of Industrial Equipment and Process Machinery Maintenance, said that annual overhauls are essential to ensuring reliable and sustainable oil production. He noted that maintenance operations continued without interruption despite challenging national circumstances, including the recent conflict, with overhaul activities accelerating from April 4 under a four-phase quarterly program.

According to Kiani, the 2026 maintenance campaign is substantially larger than in previous years due to production optimization requirements and a backlog of deferred maintenance. All available resources were mobilized to prepare technical documentation, secure funding, conduct tenders, and execute projects despite Khuzestan's harsh summer conditions, where temperatures exceeded 60°C.

One of the year's most notable achievements was more than doubling the number of process equipment overhaul projects—from approximately 180 to nearly 400. These projects include the refurbishment of storage tanks, preheaters, electrostatic desalters, and oil separators, all of which have seen a significant increase in maintenance activity.

The company also launched major overhauls at 34 processing plants and gas booster stations, with around 70% of the fixed equipment maintenance program already underway. Maintenance of gas compression, gas injection stations, and LPG facilities has reached approximately 90% completion, in line with the approved schedule.

Another record was set in diesel generator maintenance, with the annual overhaul target tripling to 60 units, compared with the historical average of 20–25 units per year. This increase was made possible by expanding maintenance teams at the Ahvaz Central Workshop and utilizing qualified contractors.

Kiani also announced the overhaul of 12 out of 19 reciprocating compressors in the Koranj-Aghajari area. In addition, a Sulzer turbine at the Omidiyeh booster station was fully refurbished, including complete replacement of its hot-section components, and has returned to service. A second turbine of the same type is currently being overhauled in-house.

The company also achieved major reductions in maintenance turnaround time. Overhaul work at the Ahvaz-2 Asmari gas booster station was completed in just 12 days instead of the planned 30 days, while maintenance at the Koupal Asmari booster station was finished in 22 days rather than 30.

Another key milestone was the successful reconstruction and recommissioning of an MB9-frame centrifugal compressor at the Gachsaran-4 gas booster station after an extended period out of service. The project was completed using specialized tools designed and manufactured by the company's maintenance teams.

Since the beginning of 1405 (March 21), six Rolls-Royce turbines have also undergone major overhauls at the Aghajari Central Workshop, the Ministry of Petroleum's only specialized center for servicing this turbine model, reinforcing its strategic role in supporting Iran's oil industry.

Kiani noted that operational demands have forced some facilities to remain in service well beyond their scheduled maintenance intervals. In one case, a 50,000-barrel crude oil processing tank that should have been overhauled after four years continued operating for 12 years, resulting in significant equipment deterioration.

He emphasized that the benefits of the overhaul program extend far beyond equipment restoration. The recommissioning of a single coalescing tank alone adds 50,000 barrels per day to crude oil processing capacity. Similarly, restoring gas turbines and compressors reduces gas flaring, increases gas injection into reservoirs, and boosts liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production for the petrochemical industry.