Iran has officially kicked off the pressure boosting plan for Hub 1 of the South Pars gas field, the world's largest joint gas reservoir shared with Qatar. The project aims to maintain production capacity, prevent reservoir pressure decline, and secure Iran's share of the field's resources.
The initiative follows years of preparatory work. Basic engineering studies began in 2023, and contracts worth billions of dollars were signed in March 2025 with four domestic companies. The project will be executed in two phases, according to Hamidreza Saghafi, CEO of Petropars.
The first phase, a short-term solution, involves installing nine compressors—each with a capacity of 333 million standard cubic feet per day—at the onshore Phase 12 refinery. This phase is expected to help address the country's gas imbalance, particularly during peak winter demand.
The second phase, set to begin three years later, will involve offshore pressure boosting through two mini-hubs with a combined capacity of 2,000 million cubic feet per day, ensuring long-term recovery from the reservoir.
The first physical step has already been taken: a 2,500-ton riser platform jacket contract was awarded to an Iranian company in June 2026. The topside contract is expected by the end of July, with main equipment purchases planned for autumn 2026.
