The successful contractor will increase the pipeline's throughput capacity to 425,000 barrels a day (b/d) from 300,000 b/d by installing an intermediate NGL pumping station with three 50 per cent combustion gas turbines at the east-west crude oil pump station 6. Other works include the provision of utility systems, the installation of a new NGL fuel metering system and the construction of living quarters.

The contractor will carry out procurement, construction, pre-commissioning and commissioning and provide start-up assistance. Companies will be given a five-week period to prepare their bids for the project, with a contract award scheduled for August. Project completion is due in September 2005. The SHY-1 pipeline runs from Shouaiba in the Eastern Province to Yanbu in the west.