Technical bids have been returned from seven ventures for a continuous catalytic reformer (CCR) and isomerisation project at the Izmit refinery to the Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corporation (Tupras). The project is estimated to cost about

$140 million (MEED 14:2:97).

The seven bidders, with their local partners, are:

Foster Wheeler Italiana of Italy, with Gama

Tecnicas Reunidas of Spain, with Entes

US-based ABB Lummus Global, with Tokar

Industrialexport of Romania, with Pakbas

Lurgi Oil Gas Chemia of Germany, with Pasiner Endustri

Snamprogetti of Italy, with Tekfen

Sofresid of France, with Teknotes

Following a three-four month evaluation of the technical bids, the contenders will be invited to submit revised technical bids along with prices. The project aims to increase the refinery's output of unleaded petrol in line with changing demand, using technology provided by UOP of the US.