State-owned downstream operator Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) has tendered a contract to overhaul and extend the operating life of a pier at the export harbour at the Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery.

A total of 27 companies have been prequalified to bid on the procurement and construction (PC) contract and the bid deadline is 30 January.

The aim of the project is to extend the operating life of the pier until the end of 2030.

The pier, called the North Pier, is used to moor boats that export crude and refined products.

The North Pier was constructed in 1959 and during the subsequent 54 years of operation, the Pier has been subject to several surveys and assessment studies, modifications and rehabilitation works.

It was upgraded over 1984 and 1985 as part of the Refinery Modernisation Project and 1993 following the Iraqi invasion.

In 2002 and 2006, major rehabilitation works were carried out extending the service life of the Pier until end of 2017.