Hassan Abbaszadeh, speaking at the third Process Safety Management
Conference hosted by Arya Sasol Polymer at Tehran’s Kooshk International
Conference Center, highlighted lessons learned from risk management and the
importance of multi-layered safety systems.
“The industry must move cohesively toward resilience, process safety,
and full utilization of existing capacities,” Abbaszadeh said, noting that
smart planning, preventive measures, and national coordination are central to
the sector’s future.
He outlined progress under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan,
emphasizing value-chain development across propylene, methanol, urea, and other
petrochemical segments. According to Abbaszadeh, $90 billion has already been
invested in the sector, with around 60% of projects completed despite various
challenges. He identified unused capacity at roughly 22% and said the ministry
aims to reduce it below 18% by the end of the plan.
Abbaszadeh underscored the need for strict safety inspections and
continuous monitoring of process safety. He cited lessons from the recent
12-day war and highlighted the role of emergency management teams established
across the National Petrochemical Company during crises.
On environmental initiatives, he pointed to gas flare collection
projects in East and West Karun and other sites, noting that several flare
reduction projects would be operational by year-end. He also cited optimization
programs promoting efficient gas consumption, with savings reinvested into
petrochemical feedstock.
The conference brought together industry experts to share knowledge
and reinforce safety practices, marking a key effort to strengthen Iran’s
petrochemical infrastructure.