According to the National Iranian Oil Company, Ahmadreza Rasti, during a visit to review the project’s progress, said the new phase will be launched following months of accelerated activity. He added that with continuous follow-up and support from the NIOC managing director, the Abuzar pipeline project has entered a new implementation stage after overcoming challenges caused by sanctions and long-standing technical issues.

Rasti said coating operations for the new pipelines, carried out using modern technology and entirely domestic expertise, have been completed at the Bandar Mahshahr facilities and are now continuing at the Khorramshahr yard. He added that preparations are also underway to equip and ready a specialized pipe-laying vessel built with domestic engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company, the project’s contractor, has pledged to complete this phase.

Pipeline Rehabilitation to Sustain Production

Rasti noted that, according to the project’s schedule and contractor commitments, the pipe-laying vessel—fully equipped with domestic technology and supported by the Iranian Offshore Oil Company—is expected to begin offshore operations soon. He called this a key step toward self-sufficiency and sustainable development in Iran’s oil industry.

He added that the replacement pipeline, which caused a temporary production halt last year due to a leak, has been repaired and restored in recent months through the continued efforts of the company’s experts.

Rasti said that during this process, safety, isolation and in-service cleaning protocols were carefully implemented, allowing the gradual return of the pipeline to operational status and the steady increase of oil transmission capacity. He described the measures taken at the Abuzar field as a testament to the capability, knowledge and dedication of the Iranian Offshore Oil Company’s specialists in ensuring stable production and safeguarding national resources.