On September 11, 2007, a Consortium between “Saipem Taqa Al-Rushaid Fabricators Co. Ltd.” (STAR) and “Snamprogetti Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd.” was awarded by Saudi Aramco a long term agreement to provide construction, transport and installation of offshore facilities for the Offshore Maintain Potential Program. The agreement has a duration of seven years, with two options for three-year renewals. The scope of work also includes installation of sealines and laying cables.  

 

This major initiative of fabricating platforms for the offshore oil and gas fields is the first of its kind in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  All fabrication works will be done at a yard located at King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam. Intended for the fabrication of oil and gas platforms and conveniently, the fabrication yard is located within a sheltered area of the port with deep water access and will have an initial production capacity of 14,000 tons.

 

In addition to providing world class capability to the ever expanding offshore oil and gas sector in Saudi Arabia, the opportunities for job creation for Saudi nationals and on the spot vocational style training will be substantial. To ensure the availability of suitably skilled personnel, the Consortium partners will establish as part of the operation a comprehensive training facility. Training courses will cover a diverse range of subjects including English language, electrical, mechanical, welding, fabrication and facilities management.

 

According to Mr. Mohammad Al-Juwair, Saudi Aramco’s General Manager of Southern Area Project Management, this project will achieve Saudi Aramco’s strategic objectives of supporting the local economy through the creation of numerous employment opportunities as well as adding value to locally provided fabrication and procurement services.

 

Mr. Al-Juwair added that Saudi Aramco expects an increased Saudization level through the creation of a specialized training center and through the recruitment of professionals, engineers and skilled technicians. Saudi Aramco will closely follow the development of the project during the coming months. Mr. Juwair added that “we are fully confident that our partners have the resolve, drive, energy and determination to reach the set objectives.”

 

TAQA’s Chairman, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Jarbou said this project will play a vital role in achieving Saudi Aramco’s strategic objectives of increasing oil and gas production to satisfy a growing worldwide demand for hydrocarbon energy. Dr. Jarbou further added that this project will add value in helping localize marine related activities and transferring technology and know-how, while creating substantial employment opportunities for Saudi nationals in this vital sector.