Expressions of interest have been submitted for a conceptual design study on the Upper Zakum full field development. The client, Zakum Development Company (Zadco), plans to issue invitation to bid (ITB) documents for the contract soon.

The conceptual design services contract covers the proposed installation of 21 subsea pipelines, with a total length of 120 kilometres, to transport high-pressure injection gas and water, and produced oil and mixed-phase oil, water and gas. The project will also entail the construction of topsides on seven new wellhead platforms in water depths of six-21 metres, and the slot extension of 11 existing

wellhead platforms.

The successful bidder will be required to carry out conceptual design services, with a view to taking on front-end engineering and design (FEED) work and being nominated to work under the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor as the detailed engineering subcontractor.

The scheme is part of major plan to increase oil and gas production capacity from the offshore Upper Zakum oil field.

In late March, the US ExxonMobil Corporation signed a final agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to take a 28 per cent stake in the field. The agreement is aimed at introducing ExxonMobils advanced technology and reservoir management expertise to the field, with the intention of raising production levels to 750,000 barrels a day (b/d) from 550,000 b/d (MEED 31:3:06).