Saipem’s scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of six platforms. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Saipem has strengthened its position in the Middle East with the award of an EPC contract by QatarEnergy LNG worth around US$4bn

The contract is for the Combined COMP3A & COMP3B of the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Program aimed at increased production of the North Field offshore natural gas reservoir, located offshore the north-east coast of Qatar.

Saipem’s scope of work encompasses the engineering, procurement, fabrication and installation of six platforms as well as around 100 km of corrosion resistance alloy rigid subsea pipelines of 28’’ and 24’’ diameter, 100 km of subsea composite cables, 150 km of fibre optic cables and several other subsea facilities.

The contract follows the EPC package for the North Field Production Sustainability Offshore Compression Complexes Project - [COMP 2], awarded to Saipem in October 2022 and currently underway.

QatarEnergy’s North Field LNG expansion includes the North Field East (NFE), the North Field South (NFS) and the recently announced North Field West (NFW), which together will raise Qatar’s LNG production capacity from the current 77 MTPA to 142 MTPA in 2030, thereby cementing Qatar’s status as a leading global LNG producer and exporter.

The contract follows recent wins for Saipem in Saudi Arabia as part of its Long Term Agreement (LTA) with Aramco; in July it won two offshore EPC contracts worth around uS$500mn relating to the Abu Safa, Berri and Manifa fields, which was followed by won two offshore EPCI contracts worth around US$1bn relating to the Marjan, Zuluf and Safaniya oilfields in September.

The ENOC Accelerators Programme is launched under the banner of the UAE Government Accelerators Programme. (Image source: ENOC)

ENOC Group has launched the ENOC Accelerators Programme under the UAE Government Accelerators initiative

This programme is designed to identify and address operational challenges in collaboration with stakeholders, aiming to resolve them within 100 days of its launch. This makes ENOC Group one of the first semi-government entities to implement the Government Accelerators Programme.

The ENOC Accelerators Programme, one of the first to be launched under the government initiative, enables ENOC Group’s brightest talents to collaborate with stakeholders to tackle critical challenges and achieve strategic objectives within a short timeframe. Four teams, comprising 20 employees, will address challenges in sectors such as environment, sustainability, youth, finance, and lubricants.

Aligning with ENOC's strategy

The Programme aligns with ENOC’s strategy, which focuses on meeting the growing global demand for reliable, safe, and sustainable energy, and aims to deliver world-class, integrated, and sustainable energy solutions. This strategy emphasises operational efficiency, collaboration, and digital innovation and is based on five key pillars: Proactive Improvement, Asset Optimization, Think Customer, Integrated Value Chain and Growth, and Diversified Energy Solutions.

H.E. Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO at ENOC, said, “The ENOC Accelerators Programme is a significant step under the Government Accelerators umbrella. It empowers our talented employees to identify challenges within the Group’s sectors, work collaboratively to analyse them, and develop actionable plans to overcome them. Launching this programme is an integral part of our efforts to develop the UAE’s energy sector and set new standards in it.”

Technowrap has been a global success for ICR Group. (Image source: ICR Group)

Aberdeen-based ICR Group, a global leader in maintenance and integrity solutions, together with its regional partners, has secured US$3.5mn (£2.67m) in contracts in the Middle East over the past four months, due to demand for its Technowrap composite repair technology

Technowrap can be used to repair a wide range of infrastructure, including pipelines, pipework, tanks, vessels and structural components, both onshore and offshore. Technowrap provides a long-term alternative to traditional steel replacement, often with a design life of up to 20 years. The quick application can significantly reduce downtime, leading to cost savings, while offering up to a 66% reduction in carbon emissions. Recent projects in the Middle East have included work on offshore and onshore installations for operators and engineering contractors repairing pipelines, pressure systems and structures.

ICR also offers non-destructive composite inspection technique called INSONO, and Quickflange, permanent flange-to-pipe connectors, for use where traditional welding solutions are impractical due to hot work constraints or time limitations.

ICR’s operations are supported by its Abu Dhabi office and strategic partner agreements, enabling local service delivery of the product range across the Middle East.

Jim Beveridge, CEO of ICR, said, “Our recent success in the Middle East is a testament to the expertise of our team and local partners. The proven reliability of our products and services positions ICR to enhance operational efficiency and protect critical infrastructure, all while minimising environmental impact. I am confident in our ongoing success in the region as demand continues to grow.”

Aftab Shaikh, business development manager at ICR, based in Abu Dhabi, added, “The suite of ICR products continue to generate significant interest due to their ability to support production uptime. Our local partners help us to leverage regional expertise and market knowledge, ensuring tailored solutions and faster service delivery each time.”

ICR will be exhibiting at ADIPEC from 4-7 November, stand 6210.

Keel laying of Bapco barges. (Image source: ASRY)

The Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Company (ASRY), the Bahrain-based ship and rig repair yard, has recently announced the launch of the first phase of the Bapco Refining Self-Propelled Fuel Oil Bunker Barges Project

The project, scheduled for execution in the final quarter of 2024, was announced during an official launch ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Hidd, in the presence of senior officials from both companies, led by Dr. Ahmed Al-Abri, chief executive officer of ASRY, and Bapco Refining representatives.

This strategic project comes as part of a strategic alliance between ASRY and Bapco Refining, with a view to positioning the Kingdom of Bahrain as a key maritime hub in the region. The project consists of the delivery of two self-propelled fuel oil bunker barges to one of the biggest national industrial corporations.

Extensive experience

ASRY's extensive experience and high competency in the field of marine asset optimisation, being a leading maritime repair and fabrication facility in the region, were key factors in being awarded the project. ASRY operates in four sectors – Ship Repair & Conversion, Rig Repair & Conversion, Naval Repair & Conversion, and Fabrication & Engineering – which together cover all types of vessel repair including jack-up rigs and other offshore assets, as well as fabrication of onshore and offshore industrial components.

Dr. Abdulrahman Jawahery, chief executive officer of Bapco Refining, stated, "We acknowledge the advantages of leveraging the distinguished expertise at ASRY in executing this strategic project. This approach will allow us to meet the advanced and diverse requirements of the energy sector in alignment with international standards and specifications, ensuring compliance with the dual framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) MARPOL agreements."

Dr. Ahmed Al-Abri, chief executive officer of ASRY, commented, “Bapco Refining’s Fuel Barges Project is one of the largest projects secured for implementation by ASRY for one of its most important national clients in the regional energy sector. Efforts are devoted to completing this project and ensuring smooth operations, where the long-standing expertise of the company will undoubtedly contribute to the project’s success and the achievement of its desired goals.”

"Our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality work on schedule while maintaining safety reinforces our position as the preferred global yard of call for ship, rig, and naval ship repair and maintenance, along with being a destination for engineering, industrial construction, and fabrication projects.”