What is a floating sphere and how does it deliver Iran’s oil to the world?

According to “Energy Press”, in the calm waters of the Persian Gulf, somewhere far from the coast, floating spheres (SPM) play a key role in Iran’s oil exports as a link between sea and land. These metal structures, reverse-engineered in-house, have not only bypassed port restrictions, but have kept Iran’s oil exports flowing against sanctions and natural challenges at little cost.
The beating heart of oil exports
Single Point Mooring (SPM) is a platform that allows the loading of oil and gas condensate for huge oil tankers without the need for a port. Developed in Europe in the 1950s, this technology allows ships to withstand wind and waves with its 360-degree rotating design. In Iran, these structures have been used since the imposition of war, when the docks were the target of attacks. The oil-rich areas of South, Kharg, Behrgan, Lawan and Asaluyeh are among the places that benefit from this technology.
Technical performance and strategic role
Today, floating spheres in phases 6, 7 and 8 of South Pars are restrained with six strings of chains at a depth of 43 meters of the sea and every hour they transfer more than five thousand cubic meters of gas condensate to oil tankers through underground pipes. These structures, which operate without contact with the wharf, are not only highly efficient, but the cost of their construction is much lower than the construction of export wharves.