Kuwait-based contractor Arabi Enertech is the frontrunner to win the a contract to overhaul the North Pier at the Mina al-Ahmadi refinery.

Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC), the client on the project, has announced that the company bid $19m for the contract.

The full list of bidders, all locally based, is:

• Arabi Enertech ($19m)
• Alghanim International General Trading & Contracting ($23m)
• Heavy Engineering Industries & Shipbuilding Co ($25m)
• Gulf Dredging ($27m)
• Aslaa General Trading & Contracting Company ($32m)
• Gulf Spic General Trading & Contracting Company ($49m)

The scope of the project includes strengthening the existing pier and extending its service life until the end of 2030.

The Mina al-Ahmadi refinery is being expanded as part of a $4.7bn megaproject scheduled for completion before the end of the year, and is part of a larger clean fuels project valued at about $16bn.

The winner of the contract will be required to strengthen the existing pier by replacing deteriorating concrete capping beams and pile caps. It will be responsible for the fabrication, installation and supply of new fenders, and the repair of pipe supports.

The tender was issued in October last year. The bid deadline for the contract was extended several times before bids were submitted earlier this month.