Italian energy contractor Maire Tecnimont has confirmed in a statement that its subsidiary Tecnimont has been awarded a contract by Egypt’s Carbon Holdings to build polyethylene units at the Tahrir refinery and petrochemical complex.

As part of the new scope of work, Tecnimont is to build three polyethylene lines, having a capacity to produce 450,000 tonnes a year, using Unipol PE technology of US-based Univation Technologies.

The agreement, reached on a direct negotiation basis, includes provision of engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) services, with particular focus on the process units of the upcoming plant.

The value of the contract was not disclosed.

The Tahrir downstream project is estimated to be worth $10.9bn.

Tecnimont will execute the onshore portion of the work in a consortium with Egyptian contractor Hassan Allam Construction and Greece/Lebanon-based Consolidated Contractors.

MEED had earlier reported that the financial closure of the entire Tahrir project is is expected in this quarter.

Maire Tecnimont in its statement added that the finalisation of its contract is subject to the financial closure.

The Tahrir refinery and petrochemical Complex, is located in the city of Ain Sokhna at the southern entrance to the Suez Canal, and is one of Egypt’s strategic downstream projects.