CHABAHAR (NIPNA) – The strategic location of Badr Shargh Petrochemical Complex, adjacent to the Pacific Ocean and Chabahar Port, offers easy access to target markets such as China and other cost-effective destinations, according to its CEO.
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.