US-based McDermott International has won a $350 million contract from Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company to upgrade and enhance a water injection system in the Zakum field, located north-west of the UAE capital.

McDermott is a leading engineering, procurement, construction and installation company focused on executing complex offshore oil and gas projects worldwide.

The Abu Dhabi field includes five water injection platform modules at Zakum West Super Complex and two modules at Zakum Central Super Complex which are used to maintain pressure in the surrounding wells.

“This is a significant award for McDermott and we are delighted to have this opportunity to work with Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company again, who is a key player in the Abu Dhabi market,” said Steve Johnson, president and chief executive officer of McDermott.

“Our ability to provide a sound technical solution, backed by our regional capabilities in providing fabrication, marine and manpower resources has helped us secure this prestigious award.  We look forward to building a long lasting working relationship with Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company,” he noted.

The project falls into two parts: pressure upgrade and capacity upgrade, said a statement from McDermott.

The pressure upgrade involves installation of new pumps, piping and transformers, the modification of existing instrumentation and equipment and structural reinforcement work of the existing water injection modules at both Zakum Central Complex and the Zakum West Super Complex, it said.

The capacity upgrade will take place on Zakum Central Super Complex and involves the engineering, procurement and construction of a new 3,250-tonne deck that will house the new water treatment and injection system, power generation equipment and six-legged jacket, it added.

According to Johnson, engineering will commence immediately with the pressure and capacity upgrades planned for completion within the second quarter of 2012. The installation will be carried out using vessels from McDermott’s regional fleet, he added.-TradeArabia News Service