The bidders are: Canada's SNC Lavalin, with the local Al-Hassan Engineering; Sharjah-based Petrofac International, with the local Galfar Engineering & Construction; India's Dodsal, with Mott MacDonaldof the UK; Sharjah-based MIS; and Wilbros Contractingof the US, with its local partner The Oman Construction Company(TOCO). The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) package covers the supply and installation of a gas processing train, associated compressor units and trunk lines.

An award is also imminent on the main pipeline package of the scheme. TOCO is understood to be the frontrunner for the work, which is intended to tie the Safaa field into the main gas export line being built by India's Dodsalfrom Mahda to Al-Ain in the UAE. Two other contractors are understood to have bid for the package (MEED 31:1:03). Gas from block 9 will assist the government in fulfilling its agreement with Abu Dhabi-based Dolphin Energyto supply the UAE network with 135 million cf/d of Omani gas until Qatari gas becomes available in 2006/07 (MEED 7:2:03).