Reza Aqapour noted that the project is now 80% complete and is expected to become operational by the end of the Iranian year 1404 (March 2026).

Aqapour explained that the 5,000-ton dock project was initiated by the National Iranian Oil Engineering and Construction Company due to the growing fuel demand on Qeshm Island. Previously, the island had only one fuel-supply dock, which had deteriorated over time and could only accommodate vessels with a maximum capacity of 2,000 tons. This necessitated the construction of a new dock.

Aqapour stated that the project has so far consumed 600 billion tomans, with 60% of the total allocated budget spent. Part of the project has already been temporarily handed over.

Alongside the main dock, a secondary 2,000-ton dock was also constructed to facilitate ship docking. The secondary dock was completed in eight months, from design to execution, and became operational in Aban 1403 (October-November 2024). It features fifteen 42-inch piles with an average length of 40 meters, 56-inch casings, two mooring dolphins, one intermediate dolphin, a platform with four bollards, and three fenders for vessel docking.

 Completion of the 5,000-ton dock by late 1404 

Aqapour said the 5,000-ton dock project, aimed at enhancing port infrastructure and docking capacity, has undergone significant design modifications and is nearing completion. Due to these changes, the total project budget has increased to 1,090 billion tomans.

He cited several challenges, including monsoon storms from late spring through summer, which caused delays in construction. Additionally, the need to supply jet fuel (ATK), gasoline, and diesel during the Nowruz holidays placed extra pressure on the project team.

Another challenge was the simultaneous operation of the secondary 2,000-ton dock, which required halting welding and pile-driving operations whenever fuel-carrying vessels (transporting gasoline, diesel, or jet fuel) docked for safety reasons. Despite these obstacles, the team delivered the secondary dock on schedule in Aban 1403. If financial and logistical challenges are properly managed, the 5,000-ton dock is expected to be operational by late 1404.

 Breakthrough in domestic production of marine loading arms 

Aqapour highlighted the project’s role in boosting exports, fuel supply, and economic growth on Qeshm Island. Despite sanctions, Iran’s maritime industry has successfully localized the production of marine loading arms, a key achievement implemented in the Qeshm Dock project, demonstrating progress in domestic marine equipment manufacturing.

Previously, loading arms for similar projects, such as in Mahshahr, were imported from foreign companies like Kanon (Netherlands) and FMC (USA). However, due to sanctions, the delivery and installation of such equipment became impossible, forcing the project team to disassemble, redesign, and model the loading arms domestically. This task was accomplished by an Iranian knowledge-based company staffed by Sharif University graduates, with all components produced locally.

 Technology development, job creation 

Aqapour noted that with continued localization efforts, three to four Iranian companies now produce loading arms, and the Qeshm Dock project utilizes domestically manufactured equipment. The dock’s development has created direct and indirect employment for 130 people, including 85 direct hires and 45 in design and indirect operations. Additionally, 15 local workers are permanently employed at the site, positively impacting the regional economy.

In conclusion, Aqapour said most operational challenges have been resolved, and the project team expects the 5,000-ton dock to be fully completed by late 1404. Once operational, the new dock will not only increase fuel supply and docking capacity but also mark a significant step in Iran’s localization of marine equipment.