Speaking on Wednesday, Qarouni revealed that foundational engineering
and equipment procurement were completed last year, with construction beginning
in December 2023 after obtaining environmental permits.
“The site preparation was a major challenge,” Qarouni said. “A portion
of the project land was originally marshland. To prepare it, we conducted
extensive groundwork, including excavating over 121,000 cubic meters of soil,
equivalent to 6,000 truckloads, and removing 813 truckloads of debris from the
site.”
Major Construction Milestones
To date, 70 kilometers of piling have been completed, along with the
foundation work for seven out of ten cylindrical storage tanks. Construction on
the base and walls of three tanks is underway, while work on three additional
tanks will commence mid-December. Structural installations for two warehouses
and a central workshop have also been completed, with masonry work in progress.
One critical aspect of the project has been securing utilities for the
massive industrial complex. Qarouni announced the signing of a long-term agreement
between Almas Mahshahr and Fajr Energy Gulf Petrochemical Company for the
provision of utility services, following detailed engineering and consumption
studies.
Tackling Supply Chain Challenges
Amid sanctions and logistical hurdles, the project team has
successfully ordered key delayed-delivery equipment, including furnaces,
compressors, reactors, and storage tanks, from domestic and international
manufacturers. Valued at approximately $180 million, these orders include
dual-walled, spherical, and atmospheric storage tanks, cooling towers, and
other critical components.
“Thanks to the shareholders' financial contributions, around 30
trillion Iranian rials have been spent, with additional funding commitments
underway to sustain momentum,” Qarouni said.
Progress on Phase Two
Plans for the project's second phase are advancing steadily. This
phase will include a polypropylene unit and two polyethylene production
facilities. Land allocation for the northern section of the site is in its
final stages, pending approval from the Supreme Council of Special and Free
Zones. Geotechnical studies have been completed, and tender documents for land
preparation have been distributed.
Infrastructure work for pipelines to transport feedstock and products
between Bandar Imam Petrochemical and the second-phase site has also begun.
Additionally, a memorandum of understanding with the National Petrochemical
Company and an Italian partner has secured technical expertise for downstream
polymer production.
The Almas Mahshahr project is a cornerstone of PGPIC's strategy to
enhance Iran's petrochemical output, reinforcing its position as a regional
industrial hub despite challenging economic conditions.