The UAE-based offshore engineering firm Lamprell is planning to make a bid to join Saudi Aramco’s elite pool of offshore contractors, a source has confirmed.

“We (Lamprell) are looking to make a bid on Aramco’s (long-term agreement) LTA projects. It is a critical part of our strategy in the Middle East. Saudi is a key market for us,” the source told MEED.

The source also revealed that Lamprell had received an official invitation to bid (ITB) from Aramco to make its case for being chosen for a qualified LTA contractor.

MEED has reported that Saudi Aramco is set to expand its group of offshore engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors, which currently consists of five firms.

It is however not known when Aramco would expand the LTA pool, with the source saying it might be done later this year, adding “it might be sooner rather than later”.

A number of local and foreign contractors are believed to be in the running for an exclusive arrangement with Aramco to bid for the oil behemoth’s offshore projects.

Lamprell’s successful stakeholdership in the Saudi shipbuilding joint venture last year however makes it a strong contender for joining Aramco’s favoured list, and is an indication that the company is looking to expand operations in the kingdom, the source said.

Lamprell’s case is also strengthened by the track-record of its Dubai fabrication yard, along with its Ras al Khair work now, as companies having the ability to locally manufacture, repair and maintain offshore rigs and platforms stand a better chance of grabbing Aramco’s attention, the source added.