The Malaysian marine contractor beat international contenders, including short-listed Rubicon Offshore, to land the Balnaves job and it has already started some engineering, said Bumi Armada chief executive Hassan Basma.

Apache is expected to take the final investment decision on Balnaves in June, added Basma. The field is in Block WA-356-P, which is a gas-prone play that also harbours Apache’s Julimar-Brunello gas complex.

Bumi