As the world’s largest shared gas field, South Pars plays a strategic role in Iran’s energy supply and economic development. Shared between Iran and Qatar in the Persian Gulf, the field holds more than half of Iran’s natural gas reserves and contributes significantly to the country’s daily gas, condensate, and petrochemical feedstock output. Development of the field’s various phases not only meets domestic needs but also provides a sustainable source of exports and revenue for the country.

South Pars stands as a symbol of Iran’s technical and managerial capability in the oil and gas sector and serves as a driving force for the national economy. The safe and stable performance of its offshore platforms and facilities directly affects the continuity of gas supply during peak winter demand, as well as electricity generation and downstream industries. Maintaining operational readiness and improving efficiency remain top priorities for POGC and the Oil Ministry.

The annual overhaul is one of the most critical planned activities in the operation and maintenance of offshore facilities. It aims to ensure production stability, improve safety indices, and reduce failure rates in key equipment. Due to the harsh marine environment of the Persian Gulf and high operational pressures, platform equipment must undergo periodic inspection, repair, and replacement to prevent production shutdowns or industrial incidents.

The South Pars overhaul program includes a wide range of technical activities such as pipeline inspections, valve and compressor replacement, control system repairs, turbine refurbishment, and performance testing. These tasks are executed on a tight schedule to minimize production disruption.

The importance of these operations grows during peak demand seasons, as stable production from South Pars is directly linked to Iran’s winter gas supply. Successful completion of the overhaul not only extends the lifespan of critical assets but also reduces long-term maintenance costs, enhances worker safety, and ensures uninterrupted national energy production.

 92% completed, full coverage soon

Hadi Fakhrzadeh, head of maintenance at POGC’s Production Operations Division, said that of the 39 active South Pars platforms, 35 have undergone major overhauls, achieving over 92% progress. “We expect to reach full coverage by the end of October with the completion of the remaining platform,” he said.

He noted that six 32-inch valves weighing around 18 tons were replaced on three offshore platforms, and new domestically manufactured emergency power systems were installed on platforms SPD-7 and SPD-8. “Pipeline sections with reduced thickness were also identified, repaired, and reinforced,” he added.

Fakhrzadeh highlighted that despite extraordinary circumstances during the overhaul period—including a 12-day regional conflict—operations continued without interruption. “Through continuous effort, strict adherence to safety procedures, and precise management, our teams completed the work without any downtime or incidents, ensuring stable gas production for winter,” he said.

He added that in some cases, such as platform SPD-13C, the overhaul was completed seven days ahead of schedule, underscoring the dedication and coordination of the crews. All activities, he emphasized, were carried out in compliance with environmental standards, ensuring no industrial waste entered the sea. “We ask citizens to support our efforts by conserving gas to help ensure a trouble-free winter,” he said.

 Precision operations, zero accidents, and simultaneous pressure boosting

Ali-Asghar Adelnik, head of production operations for Area 1 of the South Pars platforms, said that the overhaul campaign covered 19 production platforms, each playing a vital role in maintaining steady gas output. “Despite extreme summer conditions, with temperatures above 50°C and humidity exceeding 95%, the overhaul proceeded safely and on schedule,” he said.

Adelnik added that this year’s work included not only mechanical maintenance but also safety tests, pipeline inspections, and control system upgrades. “These measures have increased equipment reliability and reduced unplanned shutdowns,” he said.

He praised the relentless efforts of the offshore specialists: “Our teams have worked tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted gas production. Our goal is for the public to face no concerns about gas supply during the winter.”

 Steady production despite sanctions, crises

Hesam Qobadi Arfaei, deputy head of offshore platform overhauls, said this year’s program focused on vital equipment including turbines, valves, and compressors. “By relying on domestic expertise, most required parts were designed and manufactured in local workshops, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers,” he said.

“All control, electrical, and instrumentation systems were inspected and tested,” he continued. “After full turbine inspections and performance tests, production resumed without prolonged shutdowns.”

Despite regional tensions and sanctions, operations never stopped, he said: “This resilience reflects the experience, planning, and responsibility of our domestic teams, who can manage even the toughest projects.”

Arfaei emphasized that this year’s overhaul demonstrates the maturity of Iran’s oil and gas industry: “Even under difficult conditions, our teams ensured production continuity—a collective achievement shared by all onshore and offshore staff.”

 Planning: The key to overhaul success

Mohsen Teymouri-Asl, head of maintenance planning at POGC, said the success of this year’s campaign stemmed from six months of detailed technical coordination and logistical preparation. “Each platform had a dedicated plan, timeline, and work package to ensure timely completion,” he said.

He noted that more than 132,000 man-hours were recorded for over 12,000 maintenance tasks, reflecting the tireless work of hundreds of skilled personnel. “Post-overhaul review meetings are held after each campaign to evaluate strengths and weaknesses and improve the next cycle,” he said. “This continuous learning process has boosted efficiency and reduced downtime in recent years.”

“South Pars is a living, dynamic system,” Teymouri-Asl said. “Ongoing preventive and predictive maintenance is essential to ensure stable winter production and national energy security.”

 Overhaul: The backbone of energy stability

Peyman Kenarboland, deputy head of operations for Area 2 platforms, said that the zone includes 17 production platforms, of which 16 required maintenance. “This year’s overhaul focused on safety, quality, and minimizing production downtime,” he said.

Key activities included replacing critical valves, testing safety systems, measuring pipeline wall thickness, and repairing control systems—all under direct HSE supervision to ensure worker and environmental safety.

Kenarboland added that training programs for new staff were a major highlight: “Improved technical knowledge and safety awareness reduced human error and improved operational quality.” He confirmed that “the overhaul of Area 2 was completed without incidents and on schedule, ensuring full readiness for winter.”

 Continuous production: The result of relentless effort

The extensive 1404 overhaul program once again showcased the capability, commitment, and self-reliance of Iran’s oil and gas workforce. Conducting simultaneous major maintenance on dozens of offshore platforms in the Persian Gulf’s harsh environment—without a single production halt or serious incident—underscores the technical and managerial maturity of Pars Oil and Gas Company.

Experience has proven that systematic and targeted overhauls are key to sustaining South Pars’ production capacity. They enhance equipment reliability, reduce unplanned shutdowns, cut maintenance costs, and improve worker safety. Above all, they ensure reliable gas supply to households and industries during winter.

Another major achievement of this year’s campaign was the reliance on domestic manufacturing. Emergency power systems, valve components, and instrumentation parts were all produced and installed by Iranian engineers, reducing foreign dependence and fostering growth in the gas industry’s supply chain.

Undoubtedly, the success of this year’s overhaul reflects the unity, coordination, and dedication of both offshore and onshore teams. With continued teamwork and public energy conservation, Iran can ensure a stable gas supply and long-term energy security—a mission in which South Pars continues to lead the way.

By Amir Eftekharipour