International companies have been invited to submit expressions of interest by 18 April for the project management consultancy (PMC) contract on a new ethylene amines complex in Jubail, planned by the local Arabian Amines Company (AAC - MEED 27:1:06).

The invited companies are understood to include Australia's WorleyParsons, Fluor Corporation, Foster Wheeler and Jacobs Engineering, all of the US, and Canada's SNC Lavalin. A tender for thework, which also includes the option to carry out front-end engineering and design (FEED), is expected to be issued by the end of May.

The estimated $150 million amines complex will comprise a 30,000-tonne-a-year plant, producing ethylenediamine (EDA), diethylenetriamine (DETA), triethylenetetramine (TETA) and higher molecular versions.

The speciality intermediates serve as end products in the production of epoxy curing agents, bonding agents and lube-oil additives for gasoline and diesel engines.

AAC is a 50:50 joint venture of the local Al-Zamil Group and the US' Huntsman Corporation. The latter will license its technology for the plant and will also serve as the exclusive sales and marketing agent for the venture's output, much of which will be sold in Asia. Commissioning is scheduled for 2008 (MEED 1:7:05).