EPCM contract signed for Sohar Aluminium project

Sohar Aluminium & Bechtel have signed the EPCM Contract on the Green field Sohar Aluminium project on Saturday the 16th of July. With the signing of this Contract and mobilization of the project team in Oman, the Sohar Aluminium Project has achieved a significant milestone on the road towards final Project Approval, expected in November 2005. The project is a $2.00 billion venture that will see the establishment in Sohar of a 325 000 tonne per annum aluminium smelter, together with a captive power station and desalination plant, and associated port facilities.

The Partners anticipate significant opportunities during the design, construction and operation phases of the project for the development of Omani resources

Sohar Aluminium, an Omani Company, is a Joint Venture between Oman Oil Company, Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority, and Alcan, who have combined to launch what will be a significant boost to the industrial development of Oman and the Batinah Region in particular.

Sohar Aluminium Company formed in September 2004 will be adjacent to the existing Sohar Industrial Area. The Company will build a single AP35 pot line, together with associated carbon and casting facilities and an 800MW gas fired power station. The bids for the power station EPC contract are currently under evaluation.

Bechtel is one of the world’s largest Engineering and Construction Companies, which has significant experience in the region, having just completed the EPCM Contract for the highly successful Alba Line 5 Aluminium Smelter expansion project in Bahrain