Kuwait’s Central Tenders Committee (CTC) has approved a $208m engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) deal with the UK’s Petrofac for a new distribution network for electrical submersible pumping systems (ESPS).

Petrofac emerged as the frontrunner for the deal after submitting the lowest price to state-upstream operator, Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) in March.

The firm beat rival proposals from three other firms, Hyundai Engineering & Construction of South Korea, Saipem of Italy and Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC).

The CTC is the body that oversees the tender process for major projects. Once a deal is signed by KOC and Petrofac, the company will build the ESPS at fields in the north of Kuwait.

ESPS systems are used to aid the flow of crude oil from the reservoir to the wellhead when the natural pressure is insufficient to force the trapped oil to the surface. The project is expected to be completed in 2015.

US oilfield services firm Schlumberger and Aberdeen-based Wood Group have previously been awarded contracts by KOC. In August 2011, KOC awarded two contracts totalling $348m for the provision, installation and maintenance of electric submersible pumps at its oil fields.