Invited companies are Kvaerner E&C, part of the Oslo-based Aker Kvaerner group, Australia's Worley, the UK office of Sharjah-based Petrofac International,Paris-based Technip-Coflexip, Snamprogetti and Saipem, both of Italy, Sofresid of France, the UK's AMECand Bechtel, Fluor Daniel, Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR), Foster Wheeler, Stone & Websterand Mustang Engineering- all US-based.

The project, estimated to cost a total of $1,000 million, covers: the fabrication and installation of a new gas compression platform; a bridge link to the accommodation facilities; and the installation of a 12-24-inch-diameter pipeline to the existing wellhead platforms, located some four kilometres offshore. The EPC contract may also include the supply and installation of oil separation facilities. The project is aimed at injecting additional volumes of gas to maintain oil production levels.

A tender for the EPC contract is due to be issued in late 2003. The prequalified engineering companies will tie up with a nominated fabricator.

Worley is due to complete by September the front-end engineering and design (FEED) package on the scheme. Stone & Webster is acting as project management consultant (MEED 2:5:03; 26:7:02).