QATAR - LAB Venture.

QP is having a linear alkyl benzene (LAB) project to be built at Umm Said next to the refining complex. To be commissioned in late 2005, this will use kerosine from the refinery. The FEED work is being done by Foster Wheeler of the US, which is also the project management consultant (PMC). The technology licensor is UOP of the US.

The $240m project will consist of an 80,000 t/y normal paraffin unit and a 100,000 t/y LAB plant. QP issued the EPC package for bidding in mid-2003 and later gave prequalified companies until Oct. 12 to submit unpriced technical proposals. Priced commercial bids must be made by Dec. 7. The bidders include Kellogg Brown & Root of the US, Paris-based Technip-Coflexip, Chiyoda Corp. of Japan, and South Korea's LG Enginnering and Samsung Engineering. The EPC contract will be awarded before March 2004.