Six international contractors were prequalified for the export pipeline package. Saipem's closest competitor was Jebel Ali-based J Ray McDermott Middle East, which is already working on the Dolphin project, having been awarded the estimated $190 million platforms package in January. The line pipe will be provided by Japan's Mitsui & Company, which was awarded the procurement mandate for over 400,000 tonnes of steel in early 2003.

The award leaves just one major pipeline package to be let on the project. This covers the 36-inch-diameter sealines package, which will connect the North field platforms to the gas processing plant at Ras Laffan. Saipem and McDermott are the main contenders for the package, which is expected to be awarded in April.

Several other contracts are due to be tendered on Dolphin. The release of tender documents is imminent for the onshore gas receiving station at Taweelah, while prequalifications are due in on 1 April for the umbilicals package.

The shareholders in Dolphin Energy are Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Development Company, with 51 per cent, France's Total, with 24.5 per cent, and the US' Occidental Petroleum, also with 24.5 per cent.

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