TEHRAN – The offshore facilities of South Pars (SP) phases 9-10 will become operational by late December, an Iranian Offshore Engineering and Construction Company (IOEC) official said on Saturday.

Majid Shamlu said that the phases’ platforms will be loaded in September.

He added that initially some $373 million was invested in the project which has up to risen to $442 million because of an increase in the costs.

The 176km pipe-laying operation of the phases ended on May 18, said the official.