A key offshore platform at the nation’s energy heart

The SPD4 gas platform, located at the southernmost point of the South Pars field along the maritime border between Iran and Qatar, is among the country’s most vital gas facilities. Despite decades of operation and harsh marine conditions, SPD4 continues to produce at full capacity.

The compact yet critical platform operates 10 active wells, producing about one billion cubic feet of natural gas daily. Gas is sent through a 32-inch pipeline stretching 116 kilometers to feed South Pars Phase 3’s refinery. Ensuring SPD4’s readiness before winter is therefore essential for the nation’s gas supply.

 Around-the-clock maintenance and commitment

SPD4’s overhaul and inspection operations reflect the relentless dedication of offshore workers. Despite harsh weather and safety risks, teams on the platform perform repairs and upgrades with precision and coordination to ensure uninterrupted production during winter.

“Overhaul operations take about seven to 10 days with 60 personnel working in two 12-hour shifts,” said Abbas Eslahi, head of SPD4 platform. “The work environment is extremely challenging due to heat, humidity, and marine conditions, but our teams remain highly motivated.”

He added that planning meetings for the overhaul began six months in advance, covering everything from equipment procurement to real-time coordination via videoconference with onshore teams.

Technical upgrades for reliable gas flow

According to Eslahi, this year’s overhaul included thorough inspections of subsea pipelines and control systems before the cold season. The main 32-inch line was cleaned and treated to minimize corrosion, while cryogenic and standby pumps were overhauled. Spare parts were stocked to ensure smooth winter operations.

Control systems and vital components were also replaced or upgraded to maintain safety and continuous gas extraction. “Winter poses serious challenges,” Eslahi said. “Winds can reach 120 kilometers per hour and waves up to three meters. Stopping gas extraction would directly affect the country.”

He praised his crew’s sacrifices, noting that many spend weeks offshore away from their families. “Behind every cubic meter of gas lies enormous effort, cost, and risk,” he said, urging the public to use gas responsibly to help sustain stable supply.

Precision planning drives success

Thorough planning has proven critical to SPD4’s maintenance success. “All overhaul operations are managed from onshore with detailed scheduling based on workload and team size,” said Mohammad Javad Dehqan, a senior overhaul planning expert.

Repairs include cleaning and inspecting seven tanks, replacing thermocouples, checking batteries and navigation systems, and overhauling valves. Dehqan said marine repairs pose unique challenges due to limited access and dependence on offshore cranes, requiring careful coordination between offshore and onshore units.

“These steps are all aimed at ensuring uninterrupted gas production during winter,” he said.

Safety as a top priority

Ahmad Parvizi Babadi, SPD4’s safety manager, said strict adherence to health, safety, and environment (HSE) protocols is vital during overhauls. “Following HSE standards guarantees not only worker safety but also the successful completion of maintenance in harsh offshore conditions,” he said.

He noted that despite heat, humidity, and logistical challenges, the safety team ensured all procedures — including gas testing, tank inspections, and worker training — were completed thoroughly. “Every effort is made to secure gas extraction and provide comfort for citizens,” he added, once again urging public cooperation in gas conservation.

Through meticulous planning, teamwork, and unwavering dedication, South Pars’ offshore crews continue to keep the lifeline of Iran’s gas production stable — even amid the most challenging conditions.