Saipem wins USD 3.1 billion offshore EPCI contract in Qatar, strengthening its role in North Field gas expansion.
Saipem, working in partnership with Offshore Oil Engineering Co. Ltd. (COOEC), has secured a major offshore engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) contract from QatarEnergy LNG for the COMP5 package of the North Field Production Sustainability (NFPS) Offshore Compression Complexes project. The total contract value is estimated at around USD 4 billion, of which Saipem’s portion amounts to approximately USD 3.1 billion, underscoring the company’s significant role in the execution of the project.
The NFPS initiative forms a central pillar of QatarEnergy LNG’s long-term strategy to sustain and enhance production from the North Field, the world’s largest non-associated natural gas reservoir. Located off the northeastern coast of Qatar, the North Field is a cornerstone of the country’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) output and a critical asset in global gas supply. The Offshore Compression Complexes project is designed to maintain reservoir pressure and optimize production levels, ensuring the field continues to deliver reliable energy volumes over the coming decades.
Under the newly awarded contract, which has an expected duration of around five years, Saipem will be responsible for the complete engineering, procurement, fabrication, transportation, installation, and commissioning of two offshore compression complexes. Each complex will consist of a large compression platform, a dedicated living quarters platform to accommodate operational personnel, and a flare platform designed to support gas combustion systems. These main structures will be interconnected through a network of bridges, forming fully integrated offshore facilities.
Each compression complex will have an estimated total weight of approximately 68,000 tonnes, highlighting the scale and technical complexity of the project. Offshore installation activities are scheduled to take place in 2029 and 2030 and will be carried out using Saipem’s heavy-lift construction vessel, Saipem 7000, one of the world’s most capable offshore installation vessels. The deployment of this asset reflects the demanding engineering requirements and the advanced logistical planning involved in executing the project.
The COMP5 award builds on Saipem’s ongoing involvement in the NFPS Offshore Compression program. The company had previously been awarded the COMP2 and COMP3 EPCI packages, which were announced in October 2022 and September 2024, respectively, and are currently under execution. Securing the COMP5 package further strengthens Saipem’s long-standing collaboration with QatarEnergy LNG and reinforces its position as a trusted partner for delivering large-scale, technically sophisticated offshore energy projects.
This latest contract also consolidates Saipem’s footprint in Qatar, a strategic market where the company has developed extensive experience and operational capabilities. By contributing to the expansion and sustainability of one of the world’s most important gas fields, Saipem continues to play a key role in supporting global energy security and the long-term development of LNG infrastructure.
