Iran has indigenized the technology needed to build offshore platforms for the extraction of oil and gas, and transfer of energy resources to the mainland.

Member of board of directors of Iranian Association of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering (IANAME) was quoted by IRNA as saying on Sunday that due to endeavors made by Iranian engineers in past years, the country has mastered necessary know-how to build and install offshore platforms for the extraction and transfer to the mainland of oil and natural gas.

Saeed Mazaheri noted that due to existence of huge oil and gas reserves in northern and southern parts of the country and soaring demand of fossil fuel, attention to offshore industry is imperative for the country�s oil and gas sector.

He added that since national economy is dependent on oil and gas industry, the IANAME has been working on offshore industry since a decade ago in order to make the most of the capacities of domestic companies in this regard.

The official emphasized that offshore industry plays a great role in facilitating sustainable development of the national economy, adding, �To develop offshore industry, the way should be paved for more serious involvement of contractor companies� that are active in the field of design and manufacture of offshore platforms.

Mazaheri said to design and manufacture necessary offshore installations and equipment, Iranian specialists should learn about modern ways for the maintenance of such platforms.

�At present, offshore industry plays an important part in economic prosperity of the country and existence of joint oil and gas fields in Iranian waters has doubled the importance of exploration and extraction of offshore reserves,� he said.

The official added that shortage of funds and investment are the main problems facing offshore industry, asking Iranian banks to provide necessary financial resources, so that, more investors could become active in this field.

By Press TV