Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) recently announced that it has awarded the West Kuwait natural gas purification and recovery facility project to India's Mega Engineering and Infrastructure Company (MEIL). The contract adopts a build operate transfer model, marking an important step for Kuwait in promoting energy infrastructure upgrades and capacity expansion.

MEIL, headquartered in Hyderabad, participated in the bidding in February this year with the lowest bid of 69.2 million Kuwaiti dinars (approximately 225 million US dollars) and ultimately stood out among the six shortlisted companies. The bidding results showed that Saudi Arabia's Al Khorayef company ranked second with a bid of 74.5 million dinars, while two Chinese companies - China Petroleum HBP Science and Technology Company and Jerry Oil and Gas Company - ranked fourth and sixth with bids of 97.9 million and 102.8 million dinars, respectively. The bidding results highlight the fierce competition among Asian engineering contractors in the field of energy construction in Kuwait.

It is reported that the project will be promoted in two independent stages. In addition to facility construction, MEIL will also undertake subsequent operation and maintenance responsibilities, including providing full process services such as safety control, quality supervision, and environmental protection, reflecting Kuwait's high standards for project lifecycle management. Keywords: Middle East news and information, Middle East international news

The signing of this project coincides with a critical period for Kuwait to advance its long-term energy strategy. In November 2024, the parent company of KOC, Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), confirmed the implementation of an energy investment plan totaling $410 billion, which will continue to be invested until 2050. According to its strategic objectives, KPC plans to increase its total crude oil production capacity to 4 million barrels per day by 2035. The launch of the West Kuwait natural gas purification project is not only an important measure for Kuwait to optimize its energy structure and improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of associated gas resources, but also an integral part of its billion dollar energy strategy for modernizing infrastructure.Editor/Cheng Liting