Kuwait’s KNPC aims to conclude tendering in October for a 615,000 b/d refinery at Al-Zour, with a view to awarding engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts in 1Q15. The new refinery is expected to cost KD4.2bn ($15bn) and is progressing after years of delays caused by parliamentary infighting over development plans.

KNPC Chief Executive Muhammad al-Mutairi says five international consortia have qualified to bid, with three consortia expected to be awarded different sections of the project. Groups led by six firms reportedly prequalified: Japan’s JGC, US firms Fluor and KBR, UK’s Petrofac, Italy’s Saipem, and Spain’s Tecnicas Reunidas (MEES, 2 May). (CONTINUED - 446 WORDS)