“Given the high potentials of Iranian companies, [Iran’s] petroleum industry’s cooperation with international oil companies must continue at a higher level than before,” Akbar Torkan, senior advisor to the president, told Shana on Tuesday.
“At present, Iranian contractors and constructors are mature enough to operate mega projects like development of South Pars fields easily,” he said.
Torkan said a new international atmosphere is taking shape for Iran following the November nuclear deal between Iran and world powers in Geneva.
“With the signature of the Geneva Accord, new grounds have been prepared for broader cooperation between [Iran’s] petroleum industry and foreign companies,” said Torkan.
He said that Iranian companies are now holding 40 percent shares in the development of South Pars.
“Big oil companies like [Norway’s] Statoil were leading Iranian contractors in the development of phases 6, 7 and 8 of South Pars. But today, Iranian companies… are easily developing new South Pars phases alone,” Torkan said.
He added that Iran’s call on foreign companies to operate its oil and gas projects does not mean a step backward.
“The (Iranian) oil industry is under sanctions, but we are witnessing the capabilities of Iranian companies in South Pars,” said Torkan.
Iranian contractors including Iran Shipbuilding & Offshore Industries Complex Co (ISCOICO), Petropars, Iran Industrial Marine Company and Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company are currently developing South Pars.
