Licensing and Technical Support for large Industrial Projects

Introduction

Technical knowledge in the oil and gas refineries, petrochemicals, chemical industries, gas condensates, mining, and many large industries around the world has significantly grown. Securing the required licenses and technical knowledge for these projects is of great importance to Iranian companies. The failure to acquire the necessary licenses for large domestic industries forces the country to sell its vast oil, gas, and mineral resources as raw materials.

Identifying large licensed companies and acquiring and transferring these licenses to the country is one of the main bottlenecks in the development of various industries. The various sanctions imposed on the country have diminished the bargaining power of these large industries. Furthermore, licensed companies are reluctant to enter agreements with Iranian companies for fear of being added to the sanctions Consequently, gaining the trust of foreign companies and negotiating with them is a very difficult and complex task.

Industries that Need Licenses and Technical Knowledge

In our country, there are numerous industries growing and developing that must evolve in line with modern technology. Oil and gas refineries are among the industries that cannot grow and develop without securing their licenses and patents. In the petrochemical sector, acquiring technical knowledge is also crucial. Regarding mining and the installation and commissioning of production lines that bring raw materials closer to final products, it is extremely important. The licenses and technical knowledge required for catalyst production lines represent some of the most complex technologies.

Bringing Technical Knowledge to the Country to Prevent Raw Material Selling

If the technical knowledge, technology, and licenses for producing products do not come to the country, we will be forced to sell our vast oil, gas, and mineral resources as raw materials. The more the creation of added value from raw materials in the country expands, the better it will be for the country’s economy. Currently, we export a significant amount of resources in raw form to other countries. These countries receive these raw materials and, after producing final products, sell them back to us at much higher prices. Among the actions that can be effective in fostering economic growth and development in the country is the importation of technical knowledge, licenses, and patents.

The Role of Technical Knowledge and Engineering in Oil, Gas, and Petrochemical Contracts

Due to the importance of oil as a vital resource, oil contracts are particularly significant. Most oil contracts have an international dimension, making them subject to changes and transformations, especially in light of political and economic developments in the world. In Iran’s case, the political tensions with the outside world during the 1980s and the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S., as well as the lack of technical knowledge and engineering in oil and gas contracts, have led to increased contractual costs in this country. According to experts in the field and foreign investment, national risk is a key factor in attracting or deterring foreign investors.

On the other hand, due to the stabilization of tax policies in Western countries, foreign oil companies claim that their home governments prohibit them from recording the contracted reserves as part of their assets on their balance sheets. Due to the short duration of service contracts, which typically leads to the oil production phase, they cannot adequately benefit from the gradual development of oil fields. Therefore, major oil companies show less willingness to enter contractual agreements that involve the transfer of advanced technology to such fields, even though utilizing technical knowledge and engineering in these contracts can convince contractors to participate in agreements or service purchase tenders.

Achieving Technical Knowledge for Oil Industry Equipment Manufacturing

To meet the current and future needs of the country’s oil industry through local manufacturers, it is essential for them to become knowledge-based and attain the technical knowledge required for equipment manufacturing and enhance their technological capabilities. This necessitates that in the process of procuring goods needed for the oil industry (in line with desired quality standards, pricing, and timing), local manufacturers undergo capacity building through the transfer of technical knowledge and technology in equipment manufacturing, gradually enabling them to design, engineer, and manufacture new products based on their scientific and academic background.

Conclusion

Technical knowledge plays a pivotal role as the central core and main driver of large industrial projects, especially in the petrochemical sector. This knowledge encompasses a broad range of information, skills, and specialized experiences required for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of industrial facilities. Technical knowledge is one of the key factors for success in large industrial projects, particularly in petrochemicals. Successful transfer of technical knowledge will significantly contribute to the sustainable development of the industry and enhance the competitiveness of the country. To achieve this goal, it is essential to address existing challenges and implement appropriate strategies for improving the transfer of technical knowledge.