Turkey's Tekfenand the local Al-Rashid Trading & Contractingare the first two companies prequalified by SWCC to bid for the contract, which covers a total of five main packages including pipeline sections, pumping stations and water storage tanks. While Al-Rashid is understood to have selected A Hak Pijpleidingenof the Netherlands as its pipe supplier, Tekfen has yet to name its supplier.

SWCC is evaluating another 14 prequalification proposals from companies such as Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC), Italy's Saipem, the German office of Paris-based Technipand pipe suppliers Al-Qahtani Pipe Coating Terminal and National Pipe Company, both local. Once prequalified, companies are expected to form consortia to bid either for the whole project or different packages. Prequalified firms will be invited for a site visit in mid-December.

The conveyor will distribute water produced at the existing Shouaiba desalination complex and the planned Shouaiba independent water and power project (IWPP) to different cities and locations in the western region.

Austria's ILF Consulting Engineersis the consultant.