Touraj Dehqani expressed hope that with contractors' serious commitment, the project can progress effectively. 

In the first round of separate meetings with senior executives from OIEC, Petropars, MAPNA and Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters on Monday and Tuesday (May 12-13), Dehqani emphasized tracking and monitoring the implementation of the gas pressure-boosting project in South Pars while ensuring coordination among contractors.

He noted that the pressure-boosting contract framework was signed in late 2024, defining obligations for both the employer and contractors. 

Dehqani stressed the need for a detailed operational plan, prompt decision-making, adherence to deadlines, integrated work and minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. He added that engineering is the first step, expecting the engineering service scope to be prepared per the contract as soon as possible. 

Highlighting the project’s scale and importance, he emphasized strict quality control, noting that, as repeatedly stated by Hamid Bovard, CEO of the National Iranian Oil Company, technical inspection and its independence are crucial. 

Dehqani called for full coordination between employers and contractors, along with private sector participation mechanisms. He expressed hope for optimal project execution despite expected challenges, stressing the need for rigorous implementation. 

 Leveraging contractors’ expertise 

Mohammad-Mehdi Tavassolipour, the project’s executive at Pars Oil and Gas Company, cited Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad’s emphasis on accelerating this national project. He noted that the expertise of key contractors—major, experienced firms in the oil industry—will facilitate progress. 

Reviewing past oil industry projects, he said contractor performance can drive employer momentum. Given the project’s significance, weekly contractor meetings will ensure coordination. 

 Contractors’ full readiness 

Executives from Petropars, OIEC, Khatam al-Anbiya and MAPNA’s oil and gas division affirmed their readiness, detailing completed and ongoing preparations. They announced agile teams of experts to optimize execution. 

The $17 billion South Pars pressure-boosting contracts, signed late last year between the National Iranian Oil Company and four contractors, allocate: 

- Petropars: Hubs 1 & 7 ($4.8 billion) 

- Khatam al-Anbiya: Hubs 3 & 6 ($4.9+ billion) 

- OIEC: Hubs 2 & 5 ($4.8 billion) 

- MAPNA: Hub 4 ($2.4 billion).