Dolphin Energy prepares bidder shortlist. (International Highlights).

Dolphin Energy Limited published a shortlist of qualified bidders for three engineering, procurement & construction (EPC) packages for the offshore portion of the Dolphin Project. Companies from Singapore, South Korea, Italy, France, Switzerland and the UAE have been approved to bid to construct

The Dolphin Project involves the construction and installation of platforms in Qatar's North Field; laying two subsea pipelines from the production complexes to a processing facility onshore at Qatar's Ras Laffan; and laying a subsea pipeline from Ras Laffan, UAE receiving facilities. The pipeline will export up to 3.2 Bcf/d of refined product to the UAE, beginning in 2006.

The bidders approved for construction and installation of two offshore complexes are: National Petroleum Construction Co., UAE; J. Ray McDermott Middle East Inc., UAE; SMOE Pte Ltd., Singapore: and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., South Korea.

Bidders approved to lay the two 48-mile, 34-36-inch diameter concrete-coated subsea lines at Ras Laffan are: National Petroleum Construction Co,; J. Ray McDermott Middle East Inc.; Saipem S.p.A; Stolt Offshore S.A.; and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. These bidders were approved along with Allseas Marine Contractors S.A., to build the 260-miles, 48-inch diameter subsea pipeline from the processing plant in Qatar to receiving facilities in the UAE.

The Dolphin Project will be the first cross-border gas pipeline project in the Middle East and the agreement is expected to lay the foundation for stronger economic cooperation between Qatar and the UAE.