The contract was originally tendered in late 2006, but attracted only a single bid. Companies now have until 19 February to submit bids for the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract. It covers the supply and installation of a 32-inch-diameter, 252-kilometre-long gas loopline.

The project is in two sections: the first covers an inter-connecting pipeline from Murayat to Rusayl via Barka; and the second links Fahud with the receiver

station at Sohar. The facilities are expected to take about 14 months to complete.