Atlas Copco Air Compressor Supports Post-War Reconstruction in Syria — A Case Study of the X-AIR 600-17 Project

After more than a decade of civil war and devastating earthquakes, Syria’s infrastructure lies in ruins. Following the collapse of the Bashar regime in December 2024, the country entered a fragmented state under multiple factions. Yet the urgent need for energy and industrial reconstruction has brought rare consensus. In this context, the Syrian government launched a series of critical energy projects through international tenders, aiming to revive oil production, industrial manufacturing, and transportation hubs.

A Syrian entrepreneur, long based in the United States, leveraged both local connections and an international supply chain network to win the contract for a major oil pipeline restoration project in northern Syria. A core requirement of the project was a high-performance, durable air compression system to support pipeline pressure testing and equipment operation.

Challenges Faced by the Client

The client encountered two major challenges:

1. Stringent Equipment Performance Requirements:
   The project site, located in Syria’s northern desert, endures large diurnal temperature swings and harsh, dusty conditions. The compressor needed a high protection rating (above IP66), high-temperature resistance, and ultra-low failure rates. Moreover, the project required 24/7 continuous operation, making equipment stability crucial to progress.

2. Tight Delivery Timeline:
   Due to U.S. sanctions and regional instability, importing equipment into Syria is fraught with delays. The client demanded delivery to a Syrian port within 45 days of contract signing to ensure the project could launch on schedule.

Solution: Atlas Copco X-AIR 600-17 Electric Mobile Compressor

During the project planning phase, Mohammed was extremely cautious in choosing an air compressor. His original plan was to procure the Atlas Copco XAXS600 17 bar unit, well-known for its outstanding performance and stability. However, he discovered through Atlas Copco’s sales team that this model had been discontinued. Faced with tight deadlines and high performance demands, he urgently needed a reliable alternative.

We recommended the Atlas Copco X-AIR 600-17 electric-driven mobile compressor, tailored to meet the project’s unique requirements. The proposed solution included the following key features:

1. Superior Performance for Harsh Environments

• Energy Efficiency:
  Equipped with Atlas Copco’s self-developed IMPERIUMC variable frequency drive, the X-AIR 600-17 can operate at load ranges as low as 13%, cutting energy consumption by over 30%—an essential benefit amid Syria’s energy shortages.

• Environmental Adaptability:
  The oil-cooled permanent magnet motor is rated IP66 and features a demagnetization temperature of up to 350°C. It performs reliably in extreme climates, from -20°C to 50°C, making it ideal for desert conditions.

• Low Maintenance Costs:
  Its modular design reduces potential failure points, lowering average annual maintenance costs by 25% compared to competitors. Remote fault diagnostics also reduce the need for on-site technical support.

2. Agile Supply Chain for On-Time Delivery

• Stock Readiness:
  Leveraging Atlas Copco’s global supply chain, X-AIR series units are kept in stock at the Dubai warehouse. This enabled shipment preparation within just 7 days of order confirmation.

• Customs Clearance Facilitation:
  By capitalizing on the temporary relaxation of U.S. sanctions for disaster relief and reconstruction, export licenses were pre-approved. This ensured seamless transshipment through Turkey into Syria.

• Localized Service Support:
  Working jointly with Atlas Copco’s Middle East Service Center (Dubai) and Syrian local partners, we provided end-to-end logistics and on-site installation guidance. The full process was completed in just 38 days—7 days ahead of the client's expectation.

Upon receiving the request, our technical team delivered a full operating condition analysis report within 48 hours. It confirmed that the X-AIR 600-17’s 17-bar output pressure and 60 m³/min flow rate fully met the demands for pipeline pressure testing. A three-stage filtration system was also added to handle the intense dust conditions.

A remote pre-acceptance process was initiated, during which we showcased the unit’s performance test data via video link, resolving the client's concerns about long-distance procurement. After the unit arrived at the port of Latakia, Atlas Copco engineers collaborated with the local team to conduct a 72-hour trial run. Even under sandstorm conditions, the machine maintained stable operation with a measured failure rate below 0.5%.

We also trained the client's operating staff and provided a spare parts inventory list (including air and oil filters), ensuring long-term self-maintenance capability.

Client Feedback: A Partnership That Exceeded Expectations

In his project summary, the client emphasized:
"Atlas Copco not only delivered top-tier equipment but also addressed our supply chain concerns under sanctions through a full lifecycle service model. From technical fit to regulatory clearance, every step demonstrated professionalism and efficiency."

This project has since been added to Atlas Copco’s global customer success case library, serving as a flagship example in the post-conflict reconstruction market in the Middle East.

For more information on the X-AIR series or customized solutions, please contact our engineering team. We are ready to support your project with ‘Syrian speed’ and unwavering commitment.