Their remit will be to hook up and commission various facilities as well as supply a number of barges.

The job, worth several hundred million dollars, is for the experimental first phase of the scheme, which aims to produce 300,000 barrels of oil per day.

Their partnership had started early work on hook-up and commissioning three months ago.

The job involves building five barges for living quarters and offices and another five temporary barges for utilities.

Saipem's