According to the NIOC, Managing Director Hamid Bovard said Wednesday, at the company’s ninth HSE (health, safety, and environment) managers’ meeting that accelerating the implementation of the HSE roadmap is essential. “Drawing up this roadmap shows that we fully understand the challenges, shortages, and existing solutions,” he said. “It is encouraging that our HSE managers and colleagues possess the necessary knowledge and capability.”

Bovard noted the long history of HSE practices in Iran’s oil industry and emphasized that the HSE culture should become an integral part of NIOC’s organizational identity. “With the roadmap defined and our direction clear, our operations will gain momentum,” he said. “Given the large-scale projects underway, the importance of HSE will only continue to grow.”

He also cited the aging infrastructure in both offshore and onshore oil facilities, saying that in addition to major reconstruction and modernization programs that require significant time and financial resources, the company must adopt “shortcut” methods to enhance safety levels.

Engagement With Environmental Agencies

Bovard highlighted environmental issues as one of the company’s key challenges. “We are constantly engaging and negotiating with environmental organizations to resolve existing issues,” he said. “Through new contracts aimed at collecting flared gas, we are working to speed up the recovery process.”

He added that the volume of gas currently being recovered under the 14th administration is “remarkable,” producing both economic benefits and environmental improvements.

Bovard said HSE staff must be familiar with operational processes and stressed the importance of hands-on training. “There are no restrictions from NIOC when it comes to providing safety equipment, and any shortages are promptly addressed,” he said.

He also noted that human resource challenges could be mitigated by partnering with the Petroleum University of Technology, recruiting its graduates, and holding specialized HSE training programs.

In closing, Bovard referred to the company’s readiness during the recent 12-day conflict. “NIOC successfully passed this test and was commended by the president,” he said. “Nonetheless, we must never neglect the principles of passive defense.”