The scope of works includes fabrication, piping, welding, painting, hydro testing and crane support facilities.

In addition, three boats equipped with a deck-mounted crane and offshore construction crew will be required to work on QP's offshore facilities and operational structures.

QP says the deal may be split into four separate contracts or could also be awarded as one job.

The closing date for bids is 22 June with the contract scheduled to start by 26 September.

While Qatar has halted exploration on its mammoth North field, four new gas blocks are to be tendered to oil majors in the next 12 months. The state also expects to increase oil production to 1.1 million barrels-a-day (b/d), from the current 900,000 b/d, by 2010 (MEED 30:5:08).