Project will take order book to AED 7 billion (approx. USD 2 billion)

The order is among the largest EPC contracts awarded by Qatar Petroleum

Project will cater to the needs of Qatar Gas, Ras Gas as well as Q Power

Contract covers engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning of Ras Laffan Common Cooling Seawater System Phase-II in Qatar

Dubai, UAE, April 11, 2006: In a milestone initiative that significantly reinforces its leading position in the region, Dubai-headquartered Dodsal Group, today announced that it has been awarded a QR 3.5 billion (approx. USD 951 million) contract, including long lead items, by the state-owned Qatar Petroleum for engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) of Common Cooling Seawater System Phase-II at Ras Laffan in Qatar.

The contract, amongst the most sizeable in the region in terms of scale and value, is the highest thus far in Dodsal's portfolio of EPC works. The Common Cooling Seawater System to be commissioned by Dodsal at Ras Laffan in Qatar will cater to the needs of LNG trains at Qatar Gas and Ras Gas. The system will also supply seawater to Q Power to be used for cooling and desalination.

With this EPIC contract, Dodsal Group's order book is expected to cross approximately AED 7 billion (USD 2 billion). Besides strengthening Dodsal's presence in the region, the EPC contract also diversifies its portfolio of projects.

The Middle East is currently witnessing a surge in capital expenditures, with Qatar taking up a significant share. Dodsal has been an active participant in the Middle East EPC business. Its major thrust has been on projects in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Dodsal's interest in the EPIC contract at Ras Laffan reflects its commitment to the expansion of infrastructure and energy sectors in Qatar. With this contract, Dodsal's growth moves into top gear in the Middle East.

The project covers design, supply and commissioning of mega pumps and transformers (220 Kv) with a combined power requirement of around 120 MW. It also includes state-of-art DCS (Distributed Control Systems) and telecommunication systems. Phase II will augment the existing capacity of 310,000 cubic metre/hour to over 835,000 cubic metre/hour.

A major part of the project is to be completed in 20 months while the balance is expected to be wrapped up in the ensuing 13 months.

The award of the contract is a reflection of the client's confidence in Dodsal's ability to execute the project with outstanding precision. The EPIC project will leverage substantial synergies from Dodsal's extensive experience in implementing large-scale contracts. Dodsal will deploy the best of its resources and technical prowess to make the Common Cooling Seawater System at Ras Laffan a significant success.

Besides adding tremendous value to the Dodsal's portfolio of EPC projects, the Ras Laffan Common Cooling Seawater System Phase-II in Qatar is a part of Dodsal's aggressive five-year initiative. The Dodsal Group's business is structured into four divisions. The engineering, procurement and construction division covers the energy and infrastructure sectors with a significant thrust on the energy sector.

-Ends- 

About Dodsal Group
The Dodsal Group is an engineering, procurement and construction multinational with its corporate headquarters in Dubai, UAE.  The Group takes up projects in the oil and gas, and power sectors on an EPC and large-scale construction basis. Its operations span key developments in the Middle East, Africa and India. 

Dodsal also executes infrastructure projects such as construction of residential and commercial estates, highways, metallurgical plants and water supply systems. 

The Group's other divisions include Hydrocarbon Exploration and Development, Development projects, and Trading & Distribution & Quick Service Restaurant business. Dodsal has secured concessions in Africa for exploration and production of oil and gas. 

Dodsal has successfully financed, designed, constructed and operated oil and gas transportation systems for a petrochemical company in India and has recently also funded petroleum product pipelines for India's Oil and Natural Gas Corporation in Sudan. Dodsal is now set to make a foray into development of airports, power plants and city gas distribution on a similar model.  

Aside from this, Dodsal also markets and distributes products for 24 companies from eleven countries. Under it's Quick Service Restaurant business, Dodsal owns and operates over 60 restaurants including Pizza Hut and KFC to name a few. 

For additional information please contact:
Freeda D'souza
Percept Profile Gulf
Tel : (971-4) 344-6373
Fax : (971-4) 342-9158
freeda@perceptprofilegulf.com

© Press Release 2006