Horizon Terminal Limited (HTL), a subsidiary of Dubai’s Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has extended the tender closing date for the contract to design and build a new distribution and trading terminal at Fujairah, on the Indian Ocean coast of the UAE.

Bids will now be submitted on 20 February instead of 31 January, according to a source close to the scheme.

At least seven engineering and construction firms have been prequalified to bid for the estimated $50m deal:

• Audex (Singapore-based)
• Belleli Energy (Italy)
• Chicago Bridge & Iron Company (US-based)
• Dodsal (India)
• Larsen & Toubro (India)
• Petron Emirates (local)
• Punj Lloyd (India)

The winning contractor will build a distribution and trading terminal by the middle of 2014. This will include 12 storage tanks, as well as pipelines and an associated petrol station. The contract also includes electrical, mechanical and instrumentation works and associated facilities.

With its strategic location on the Gulf of Oman, along with deep waters allowing access to ultra-large crude carriers, Fujairah is fast becoming a growth centre for the UAE. The emirate is now the world’s second-largest bunkering destination for cargo ships to refuel, restock on vital supplies and even wait between jobs without having to pass into the Gulf and sit at its congested ports.

Among the companies building new facilities are India’s Chemoil, the US’ Agean Petroleum and the Netherlands’ Vitol, all major players in international fuel markets (MEED 20:10:10).