The four prequalifiers are Paris-based Technip-Coflexipwith the US' Bechtel; JGC Corporation, of Japan; Italy's Saipemwith South Korea's Hyundai Engineering & Construction Company; and Japan's Chiyoda Corporationwith Snamprogettiof Italy. The prequalifiers are expected to be given about three months to price the package, which covers compression and treatment facilities to handle about 2,600 million cubic feet a day of gas.

Prequalification of contractors is nearing completion on the EPC platforms and sealine packages on the estimated $3,500 million project. Prequalification is also ongoing for the export pipeline, which will transport the gas from Ras Laffan to the UAE.

Bids were submitted in late 2002 for the main long-lead item packages on the project. The packages cover a range of supply contracts, including the compressors and turbines for the Ras Laffan plant and the pipe for the export pipeline (MEED 20:12:02).