'It is the most important project awarded during our long history,' Socotherm chief executive Zeno Soave said. 'In 2003, the group achieved consolidated revenues of Eur 171 million [$208 million] and our standard contract is usually between Eur 3 million-5 million [$3.6 million-5.9 million]. [So] it is easy to see what this project means to us.'

The coating works, to be carried out at Socotherm's new marine base at Mesaieed in Qatar, will begin in early 2005 and take just under a year to complete.

Saipem was awarded the estimated $375 million export pipeline contract in mid-March and the $115 million sealines package a month later. The line pipe is to be supplied by Japan's Mitsui & Company, which received a letter of intent from the client, Abu Dhabi-based Dolphin Energy, in early 2003.

Bidding is under way on one of the last engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) packages on the $3,500 million Dolphin project. For the Taweelah gas receiving terminal contract, seven companies are prequalified to bid by late June (MEED 14:5:04).

The Dolphin gas project calls for the construction of a 3,200 million-cubic-feet-a-day pipeline, which will run from Ras Laffan in Qatar to Taweelah in Abu Dhabi. First deliveries are due to take place in late 2006.