Recently, with the commissioning of platforms in SP22-24, gas recovery has enhanced 200 mcf/d. The agreement for SP22-24 was initially signed in June 2010, but faced delays for various reasons. However, under the administration of President Hassan Rouhani, the Petroleum Ministry pushed ahead with the project, leading to its inauguration last winter.  The offshore section of SP22-24 is set to become operational this year. Four platforms (two main and two satellite) would be installed. The first stage involving the main platform of SP22 and the satellite platform 24A, each with a capacity of 14.2 mcm/d, came online in 2018. The second stage, involving the main platform of SP23 and the satellite platform 24B, would come online this year with the same capacity. Therefore, gas production capacity from SP22-24 would soon increase from the current 42 mcm/d to 56 mcm/d.

Throughout this development project, Iranian engineers handled the entire design of offshore and onshore refineries, installation of platforms and pipelines. It may be concluded that about 63% of the entire SP22-24 development project has been fully implemented by Iranian engineers and experts.

Output Up 2.5 Times

Until 2013, maximum recovery from South Pars stood at 280 mcm/d with 17 phases in semi-finished state. Now, the South Pars output is 2.5 times higher.

Over the past eight years, 17 phases (12 refineries) have become operational. Another key point is that of 37 active offshore platforms in South Pars, 26 have been installed over the past eight years, covering 70% of offshore platform development and installation. Moreover, 228 wells out of a total 336 wells sunk in South Pars have been completed in the past eight years. Regarding pipelines, of a total 3,200 km of offshore pipeline, 2,160 km has been installed in recent years while 30 of 50 trains of refineries have started operation over recent years.

Over recent years, increased international sanctions provided a chance for Iranian companies to work further in the interest of Iran’s petroleum industry. Trust in these companies was symbolized in the awarding of EPC contracts in south Pars to domestic firms within the framework of various consortia including Iran Marine Industrial Company (SADRA), Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC), Iran Shipbuilding and Offshore Industries Complex Company (ISCOICO) and Iranian Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO).

It may be interesting to note that Iran is now able to build offshore pipes, wellhead platforms and even oil and gas processing platforms and refining facilities.

When development work started in the 1990s in South Pars, Iranian companies used to build platforms and jackets for Samsung, Total, Eni and other foreign companies for SP1 to SP9. But now the same companies are leading the projects and handle all offshore and onshore activities although they may be slow.

No foreign engineer is now present in the South Pars. All activities, no matter how difficult they may be, are handled by Iranian engineers. Even in some cases, Iranian engineers set records in the South Pars projects.

SP Projects Accelerated

Under the Rouhani administrations, development of South Pars phases has picked up speed. One year into the mandate of the 11th administration, SP12 came online in March 2015. Then, SP15 and SP16 became operational in January 2016. SP17 & 18, SP19, SP20 and SP21 came online in April 2017 to help Iran outperform Qatar in gas recovery. Then, in March 2019, the refineries of SP13 and SP22-24 came online. In 2019, six platforms were installed and four became operational in SP14 and SP22-24.

Refineries Set to Be Completed

A number of remaining refineries in SP13 and SP22-24 are to be completed in the current calendar year. Despite all problems and restrictions including foreign constructors not honoring their pledges, owing to Iranian engineers; turbo expanders would start work in the refinery of SP13, SP19 and SP22-24.

Activating the contractor for the onshore sector of SP14 is another measure taken in the South Pars development. Except for SP11, all phases have become operational and only the SP14 refinery remains to become operational. Based on planning, the first train of SP14 refinery would be launched by the end of the current calendar year. The gas produced at SP14 is currently taken to the refinery of SP12 and SP19 for processing.

Completion of eight gas condensate storage tanks, each with capacity of 500,000 b/d, is another achievement of Iranian contractors in South Pars. These tanks would supply feedstock to the Persian Gulf Star refinery that runs on gas condensate.

According to Meshkinfam, the second stage of South Pars development would involve “maintaining and preserving production” because this field accounts for a big share of energy supply in the country.

South Pars supplies more than 75% of Iran’s gas needs, as well as 40% of gasoline production needs. That is why POGC plans to keep the 75% share unchanged by developing other fields and boosting pressure in the South Pars wells over 25 years.

Meshkinfam said POGC would proceed with its operations, hiring Iranian labor. “We have made plans to avert any disruption in gas production in the event of persistent sanctions and by relying on homegrown knowledge and capacity, we will pursue development and production.”

Courtesy of Iran Petroleum