Middle East news

Regional update

Last month witnessed several high-profile events in the EIC calendar, in particular our signature EIC Connect Oil, Gas & Beyond, where we were delighted to see extensive support provided by ADNOC. Building closer working relationships with national oil companies (NOCs) is a key driver within our organisation, with many of our members Ryan McPherson

expressing a gap in the market. We will continue to build upon this across the region while also maintaining the active relationships we have with many of the local contractors who remain a critical aspect in the supply chain process.

Hopefully this year will see a number of additional ‘Connects’ added to the calendar, as we seek to widen our horizon and embark on new markets both within the GCC and beyond. A special mention goes out to our own Fabrice Abalain for looking after the UK pavilion during last months Egypt Petroleum Show (EGYPS). Another successful event where some additional intelligence was gleaned that I am sure will be passed on at our next event.

New members continue to join us from the region where we recently welcomed Krusman and Leaders Oilfield Services. Our first ever EIC Open Day was successfully held last month, kindly hosted by Wood and admirably led by our Membership Manager Anand Kumar. This event allowed potential members to hear about the benefits of EIC membership while hearing testimonials from existing members Wood, Proserv and Xergy as to the benefits they have gained. We will aim to repeat this in the second half of the year.

We have our first trade delegation of the year in March to Nigeria. Following on from the success of last years delegation, a tailored programme of meetings will give delegates an opportunity to assess potential business leads as well as engage with local businesses, something which is essential given the well-established local content legislation.

Finally, I would also like to draw your attention to the Energy Exports Conference (EEC), the number one event for global trade delegations to meet new and experienced UK exporters. Returning to Aberdeen from 17-18 June 2020, EEC aims to introduce the best of British exporters to leading project operators and contractors around the world. Whether you’re an experienced exporter, have just started or are yet to begin your exporting journey, EEC will highlight actionable project opportunities and identify key markets to target.

Ryan McPherson, Regional Director, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS ryan.mcpherson@the-eic.com

Regional news

Samsung Engineering and Técnicas Reunidas awarded US$3.7bn refinery in Algeria

Sonatrach has awarded Samsung Engineering and Técnicas Reunidas the EPC contract for the Hassi Messaoud refinery (RHM) expansion project on a turnkey basis. The refinery is expected to process 5mtpa of crude oil on completion. Works on the projects by Samsung Engineering and Técnicas Reunidas are to be completed within 52 months by 2024. The contract is understood to be worth US$3.7bn with Samsung Engineering’s share of the contract at approximately US$1.64bn. Técnicas Reunidas will be responsible for 55% of the contract, which includes environmental work and auxiliary infrastructure.

Qatar to build 800MW solar PV plant

The Al Kharsaah PV Solar IPP project has been awarded to a consortium of Total (49%) and Marubeni (51%). The project will be developed and operated by Siraj 1 SPV, jointly owned by the consortium of Total Solar International and Marubeni (40%), alongside Siraj Energy (60%), a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum (40%) and QEWC (Qatar Electricity & Water Company, 60%). The project will be developed in two phases, with first phase achieving 350MW by 2021 and full capacity of 800MW a year after. The project is worth an estimated US$467m with completion date of full 800MW park set for Q1 2022.

Forthcoming events

Please go to page 12 to see upcoming events in your region