Register for MEED’s 14-day trial access 

State-owned upstream operator Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is aiming to close the bidding process for two major projects by the end of September, according to sources.

Both projects are focused on the development of an oil separation facility, with their combined value expected to be about KD396m ($1.3bn).

Both tenders have seen several extensions to their bid deadlines since they were originally tendered.

One source said: “KOC has signalled to bidders that the bid deadline extensions are coming to an end.

“They are aiming to see bids submitted before the end of September. There maybe will be a small delay of a week, or something like that, but KOC is really looking to get bids in before the end of September.”

Both contracts were tendered in December 2024 and the original deadline for bid submission for both contracts was set for 16 March.

The first tender, estimated to be worth KD292m ($951m), is focused on developing a separation facility in the NK SA/BA area, close to Gathering Centre 23 (GC-23) and GC-24. The scope of the contract also includes a new injection facility at GC-31 and effluent water injection networks in north Kuwait.

The second contract, estimated to be worth KD104m ($338m), is focused on developing separation facilities at GC-25 and a water injection facility at GC-30.

Kuwait is in the middle of an upstream projects push, in line with producing 4 million barrels a day of oil by 2035.

On 10 May 2024, Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, announced the indefinite suspension of parliament in a televised speech.

Under Kuwaiti law, parliament can be suspended for a maximum of four years.

Prior to the suspension of Kuwait’s parliament, the country suffered from very low levels of project awards for several years due to political gridlock and infighting between the country’s cabinet and parliament.