Germany's MAN GHH, Athens-based Joannou & Paraskevaides (J&P - Overseas)and Italy's Bonattihave all been invited to submit proposals for the contract, which may be awarded as early as September. The work involves the completion of two compressor stations on the 160-kilometre gas pipeline.

The estimated $170 million contract to build the Homs-Tripoli pipeline was originally awarded to Russia's Zangasin March 1999 (MEED 5:3:99). The company completed the supply and installation of the 34-inch-diameter pipeline but did not finish construction of the two compressor stations between Marsa el-Braga and Misurata. SOC is understood to have withdrawn the project from Zangas at the end of last year.

The compression station work has been issued as an addendum to the Melitah-Tripoli pipeline, for which the three European companies are shortlisted. The priority of this 120-kilometre gas pipeline, which has been out to tender since late 2001, has been downgraded following delays on the Wafa gas development project being carried out by Agip Gas, a 50:50 joint venture between NOC and Italy's Eni(MEED 20:12:02).