Abu Dhabi has selected India’s Larsen & Toubro to construct the expansion of Abu Dhabi International airport’s aviation fuel depot, according to sources close to the bidding process.

The firm will carry out the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) work for project owner Abu Dhabi Oil Refining Company (Takreer), the emirate’s state-owned downstream operator.

Larsen & Toubro was selected ahead of several other international EPC contractors, including:

• Belleli Energy (Italy)
• Essar (India)
• Galfar E&C (Oman)
• IOT Infrastructure & Energy Services (India)
• OHL Industrial (Spain)
• Tata Projects (India)

The upgrade is aimed at meeting the fuel demands of Abu Dhabi International airport for the next 20 years. The contract is expected to be officially awarded in October.

The scheme aims to expand the aviation fuel tank farm storage capacity to 80 million litres and incorporate new fuel hydrant pumps and automation, control, and leak detection systems.

Expansion works will also include the construction of new office, training and control buildings, revamped electrical, instrumentation and control systems, and refurbishment of the existing depot fire-fighting, fuel receipt and testing facilities.

UK-based Penspen was previously awarded a deal to provide basic engineering and design, detailed engineering, construction supervision and project management services for the upgrade.

Abu Dhabi Airport Company is aiming to expand the airport’s passenger capacity by October 2016 through the construction of a midfield terminal. The current infrastructure is being stretched by passenger traffic growth, which is estimated at about 20 per cent for 2012.

Takreer is a subsidiary of state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), which operates refineries in Abu Dhabi and Ruwais.