The largest package tendered, covering the construction of a 300,000-b/d GOSP at Qatif north and a 200,000-b/d GOSP at Abu Safah, attracted bids from four companies. They are Japan's JGC Corporation, Chiyoda Corporation, also of Japan, Italy's Snamprogetti, and Paris-based Technip.

For the Berri facilities' upgrade package, four companies quoted. They are JGC, Chiyoda, Technip and Argentina's Techint.

The bidders for the final package, involving the construction of a 300,000-b/d GOSP at Qatif south, are JGC, Chiyoda, Technip, Techint and the US' Chicago Bridge & Iron Company.

Once Aramco has completed technical evaluation, the commercial bids will be opened. Selection of contractors is expected in the second half of February.

A contract award is closer for the estimated $60 million pipeline package. The frontrunners for the work are Suedrohrbauof the Netherlands, Technip, and Turkey's Tekfen. The package involves the onshore pipeline work to connect the two new GOSPs, the Berri gas plant and the Ras Tanura refinery.

Foster Wheeler Energy, the UK subsidiary of the US' Foster Wheeler Corporation, is the project manager on Qatif. It is also providing basic engineering and construction management services.