Hossein Rezaei, speaking on the sidelines of the 15th Khuzestan Specialized Exhibition of Petroleum Industry, Equipment, Manufacturing in Ahvaz, highlighted the opportunities the event provides for emerging and regional manufacturers, alongside major domestic producers, at the heart of Iran’s oil industry.

He stressed the company’s focus on expediting the procurement of high-quality supplies for strategic joint oilfield projects.

Rezaei noted the company’s plans for developing the country’s oilfields and the critical role of equipment procurement, which accounts for over 70% of project weight.

“Any measure that accelerates the supply of project materials is a priority for the Oil Engineering and Development Company and its contractors,” he said.

“Domestic sourcing from high-quality manufacturers is our first choice, but when local procurement isn’t feasible, we prioritize faster international sourcing.”

Rezaei also highlighted the role of the Karoun West Customs Warehouse in advancing project goals. “This warehouse was established to streamline and expedite customs clearance processes,” he said.

“So far, two batches of strategic materials for the Aban, Paydar West, and Azadegan projects have been cleared through this facility and deployed to the fields. This has not only reduced costs and clearance times but also accelerated the development of shared oilfields.”

He added that goods previously stuck in customs for extended periods are now being cleared more efficiently under the supervision of this dedicated warehouse.

Advancements in non-metallic pipe production

Rezaei emphasized the importance of high-quality, domestically produced goods and shared significant progress in localizing non-metallic pipes, such as RTP (Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipes) and GRE (Glass Reinforced Epoxy) pipes.

“Last year, we signed two agreements with knowledge-based companies for the domestic production of RTP pipes, which were approved by the National Iranian Oil Company and the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology,” he said.

“The production line for these pipes has completed final testing abroad and will be transferred to Iran within the next three to four months. We expect the first RTP pipes to be produced domestically in less than a year.”

Rezaei added that the use of GRE pipes for oil transportation, initially on a no cure, no pay basis and more recently through tenders, has been assigned to a domestic manufacturer as part of a key project.

Explaining the advantages of non-metallic pipes, Rezaei said, “GRE pipes, with their polymer base, and RTP pipes, with their high flexibility, offer several benefits over metallic pipes, including corrosion resistance, reduced maintenance costs, and shorter project timelines. These pipes not only lower operational costs but also withstand harsh environmental conditions and even severe impacts.”

He noted that RTP pipes, due to their flexibility, allow for quicker installation and connection, offering additional advantages in winding routes compared to metallic pipes.

Future of non-metallic pipes in oil industry

Rezaei stated that with the launch of domestic production lines and mass production, costs will decrease, enabling the oil industry to meet its needs through local capabilities.

“This initiative will not only prevent currency outflows but also significantly contribute to job creation and the development of domestic technologies,” he said.