UK-based Amec Foster Wheeler has been awarded an extension to its existing project management consultancy (PMC) contract for the development of the Upper Zakum field, which is located 84 kilometres northwest of Abu Dhabi.

The value of the contract has not been announced.

The project was awarded by the field’s operator, Zakum Development Company (Zadco), which operates the field through a venture involving Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc), US-based ExxonMobil and Japan Oil Development Company (Jodco).

Abu Dhabi’s offshore Upper Zakum field is one of the world’s largest oil fields and includes four artificial islands that are used as a base for associated drilling and production facilities.

Amec Foster Wheeler’s scope of work includes PMC services to be delivered as part of an integrated project management team, according to a statement released by the company on 18 August.

Zadco will oversee the contractors’ delivery of reimbursable engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) scopes of work, as well as commissioning and start-up support of the facilities.

This work is scheduled to be completed in December 2017.

The Upper Zakum field development project is aiming to boost the field’s production to 1 million barrels a day (b/d) of oil.

The project is ranked at 21 in Meed’s Top 100 Projects, a list of the biggest active projects in the Middle East.