Speaking to reporters, Behzad Ansari, CEO of Badr Shargh
Petrochemical, highlighted that the company is spearheading the largest GTX
project in the country. "Our modern GTX project is the first in Iran to
convert gas into methanol and downstream products," Ansari stated.
"In the first phase, we will produce methanol. Our project, which
is 65% complete without the utility unit, has seen an investment of 234 million
euros. We aim to enter the pre-commissioning phase by the end of 2025," he
added.
Ansari detailed the project's progress, noting a 10% advancement last
year, with 1,000 tons of equipment manufactured domestically. "Except for
a few licensed components from China and other countries, all fixed equipment
is produced locally."
The CEO underscored the involvement of two active contractors in civil
and piping domains, with additional contractors for electrical and
instrumentation work starting mid-year. "We have achieved 5 million
man-hours of work without any accidents, a significant milestone for us,"
he noted.
Recognized as the exemplary employer in Sistan and Baluchestan
province, Badr Shargh Petrochemical received a commendation from the CEO of
Chabahar Free Zone last week. "Ninety percent of our workforce is local,
and we have facilitated employment through targeted training programs in Makran
Petrochemical Park," Ansari emphasized.
Highlighting the company's commitment to human resources, he mentioned
initiatives like insurance coverage for critical illnesses and competitive
wages. "The project's feasibility study was completed in 2015, but
execution began in 2020. We are currently studying the downstream chain in
Phase 2, with an investment requirement of approximately 1.8 billion euros. The
methanol unit alone needs an additional 280 million euros for a production
capacity of 1,650,000 tons per year," he explained.
Ansari also mentioned potential export markets, stating,
"Afghanistan and Pakistan have shown interest in methanol and other
products due to the proximity for ground transport, though we are still in
negotiation phases as we haven't commenced production yet."
Reiterating the company's strategic goal, Ansari said, "Our aim
is not just to produce methanol but to complete the value chain by converting
it into olefins and glycols. We are seeking investments through the National
Development Fund and local banks."
The Badr Shargh Petrochemical Complex spans 103 hectares within the
Makran Petrochemical Park in Chabahar and continues to advance its
comprehensive development strategy.