The contract covers the construction of a pipeline between Al-Ain, on the border with Oman, and Al-Wahda, outside Abu Dhabi. Bids are due on 16 September. The project is split into two packages, one covers the engineering, procurement and construction of a 130-kilometre steel pipeline with a 64-inch diameter, and the other covers the construction of two pumping stations. The cost of the project is $1bn.

At least six groups have been invited to bid. They are France’s Technip; Dubai-based Dodsal; Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company; Italy’s Saipem with Lebanon’s Contracting & Trading Company; France’s Spie Capag with the local Al-Jaber Energy Services; and Al-Nasr Contracting Company, also local. Austria’s ILF is the consultant.

The contract for of the first 131-kilometre-long stretch of the pipeline, linking the Fujairah 2 IWPP with Al-Ain, was awarded to Technip and Dodsal in April (MEED 28:4:08).

The IWPP will have capacity of 2,000MW of power and 130 million gallons a day of water.

The UK’s International Power and Japan’s Marubeni Corporation hold 40 per cent of the project company developing the plant. The remaining 60 per cent is owned by Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (Adwea) and Abu Dhabi Energy Company (Taqa).