Abdulkarim Pahlavani, the CEO of Apadana Petrochemical, provided a
comprehensive update on the project’s progress, aimed at producing 1.6 million
tons of methanol annually.
He highlighted key milestones achieved during the commissioning phase,
including the activation of the plant’s power substation, the startup of the
cooling system, and the initiation of function testing and loop checks.
The company has also prepared the distillation unit, loaded
Iranian-made catalysts, and prepared methanol storage tanks. Additional
operations such as oil flushing, chemical washing, air blowing, and steam-out
procedures have further prepared the unit for imminent launch.
Pahlavani noted that alongside project development, Apadana is working
to establish essential organizational infrastructure for the operational phase.
He emphasized the company's commitment to supporting domestic
production, highlighting the fully Iranian-made reactor internals and catalysts
developed for the project.
Reflecting on lessons learned, Pahlavani stressed the importance of a
multi-dimensional management approach, timely decision-making, financial
injections, and addressing generational workforce differences.
He also emphasized the need for strong organizational infrastructure,
vigilance against opportunistic contractors, and fostering a cohesive and
skilled project team.
Furthermore, he underlined the importance of transparency in
contractor agreements and the impact of senior management’s vision on the
organization’s success.
Finally, Pahlavani highlighted the timely involvement of maintenance
teams and the ongoing support for domestic manufacturers.