State upstream operator, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) is seeking interest in a new scheme covering the installation of a distribution network for electrical submersible pumps (ESPs) at its oil fields in the north of the country.

International engineering firms have been invited to bid for the estimated $200m deal by 3 January 2012. A pre-tender meeting will be held on 22 November.

Some 18 firms have been prequalified to bid, including:

• Aker Solutions (Norway)
• Amec (UK)
• Chiyoda (Japan)
• Consolidated Contractors Group (Athens-based)
• Daelim (South Korea)
• Foster Wheeler (US)
• GS Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
• Hyundai Engineering and Construction (South Korea)
• Hyundai Heavy Industries (South Korea)
• JGC (Japan)
• KBR (US)
• Lurgi (Germany)
• Parsons Energy & Chemicals Group (US)
• Saipem (Italy)
• Samsung Engineering (South Korea)
• SK Engineering & Construction (South Korea)
• SNC Lavlin (Canada)
• Technip (France)

In August, KOC awarded two contracts totalling $348m for the provision, installation and maintenance of ESPs at its oil fields to the US’ Schlumberger and Aberdeen-based Wood Group. The systems are used to aid the flow of oil from the reservoir to the wellhead. They are used when the natural pressure is insufficient to force the trapped oil to the surface (MEED 14:8:11).