According to NIOC, Hamid Bovard said during a visit to IOOC on Saturday that focused planning and effective maintenance strategies are key to addressing current challenges. He highlighted the importance of strengthening petroleum engineering and integrated reservoir management, noting that due to the company’s geographical dispersion and project diversity, greater structural cohesion and meaningful coordination between headquarters and operational sites are essential.

Bovard described the Forouzan oilfield, a shared strategic asset, as vital to Iran’s oil industry and called for accelerated development of the field. He also emphasized the key role of the Abouzar oilfield in offshore production and downstream supply, stating that fast-tracking the new pipeline for this field is crucial.

Bovard reiterated that IOOC’s production commitments are part of NIOC’s broader output plan and must be pursued rigorously. He also underscored the need to address workforce concerns, describing human capital as a pillar of sustainable development for the company.

Review of Forouzan and Abouzar field development 

Ahmadreza Rasti, CEO of IOOC, presented a report on the development status of the shared Forouzan field, contracted to Marine Facilities Company. Challenges were assessed, and decisions were made to accelerate progress.

The meeting also reviewed repairs to the 26-inch pipeline transporting oil from the Abouzar field and the progress of its new pipeline. After evaluating obstacles, directives were issued to resolve challenges and speed up operations.

Other discussion points included production commitments, human resources, and HSE (health, safety, and environment) matters, with necessary decisions made on each.

The meeting also honored the memory of the late Mohammad Mohammadi, IOOC’s engineering and construction manager, who recently passed away.

This visit marks Bovard’s third trip to IOOC headquarters since assuming his role at NIOC in September 2024.

Farokh Alikhani, NIOC’s production supervision manager, and Mehrzad Shakib, NIOC’s office chief and inspector, also attended the meeting.