{
  "id": 17983270,
  "title": "Energy companies brace for new Iran tension as cost of resilience mounts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/energy-companies-brace-for-new-iran-tension-as-cost-of-resilience-17983270",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-03T15:33:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/energy/2026/11/03/energy-companies-brace-for-new-iran-tension-as-cost-of-resilience-mounts/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Energy firms in the Middle East are gearing up for potential new tensions with Iran, as maintaining operations during conflict becomes increasingly costly. At the Adipec conference in Abu Dhabi, industry leaders revealed they have bolstered resilience through stockpiling essential supplies, rerouting transport, and reducing staff. However, these efforts come at a financial price, with some companies forced to cut staff and focus on longer-term projects.\n\nThe recent US strike on Iran's Qeshm Island, targeting a missile launcher after a drone was shot down near the Strait of Hormuz, has heightened concerns about renewed regional fighting. For energy companies, the key question is no longer if another escalation will occur, but how long they can sustain operations if it does.\n\nSharif Foda, CEO of NESR, a major energy services firm, emphasized the company's commitment to operating as long as clients are operating, even if it means staying put and stockpiling supplies. NESR has adopted a 30, 60, and 90-day contingency strategy, keeping essential materials and spare parts on hand to maintain operations during supply chain disruptions.\n\nWhile some companies have managed to keep running, others have had to make tough financial decisions. Senegalese engineering company Helix SEN cut 30% of its management team to cope with the financial strain caused by the conflict. Bruno Placha, a senior professional from the International Maritime Organisation, highlighted the severe impact of the initial disruption on shipping, with at least 125 vessels attacked in the region since the war began. Companies have adapted by using alternative ports and moving more materials by road, but have faced the cost of longer-term projects and workforce reductions.\n\nGeorge Alexopoulos, deputy CEO of HELLENiQ Energy Holdings, stressed the importance of maintaining alternative supply arrangements, even if they are expensive. The company has shifted to the North Sea, US, and West Africa for crude shipments, paying $1 million a day for tanker charters in Gulf routes to China. Mr Alexopoulos warned that while an immediate end to hostilities would not immediately restore normal business conditions, damaged infrastructure, refinery disruptions, and shipping shortages could take weeks or even years to normalize. He stressed the importance of maintaining options to handle ongoing and future crises.",
  "summary": "Energy companies operating in the Middle East are preparing for another potential escalation in the Iran war, with executives warning that keeping businesses running through conflict comes at a growing financial cost. Speaking to The National at Adipec in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, industry leaders said they are now better prepared after months of adapting to disrupted supply chains. They have…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}