CB&I UK and Foster Wheeler Energy have been selected as contractors under separate contracts by Rosneft and ExxonMobil for a proposed Russian Far East liquefied natural gas project.
The contract is for initial phase front end engineering and design (FEED) documentation for the LNG plant, associated facilities and gas pipeline. Engineering studies and an environmental impact assessment are also included.
The plant design capacity of the project is expected to be an initial five million tons per year, which could be expanded later. The liquefaction plant will be fed by natural gas feedstock from Rosneft's reserves in the Far East and Sakhalin gas reserves.
Rosneft and ExxonMobil say they intend to finalise project design by the end of 2014, including front-end engineering and design documentation for the LNG plant, associated facilities and gas pipeline, as well as engineering studies and environmental impact assessment.
The scope of work covers a conceptual project including finalizing details for an LNG plant site, gas liquefaction technology and construction method. Following submission by the companies of their respective concepts and design, Rosneft and ExxonMobil say they will evaluate the companies' submissions before awarding a contract for the second phase of FEED.
"We are pleased with the technical progress of our joint team of experts from Rosneft and ExxonMobil," said Rosneft President Igor Sechin. "With our initial FEED contractors on board now we will see the project begin to take shape in a matter of months. We are taking a determined approach with this project to help monetize the gas resources of Russia."
Glenn Waller, President of ExxonMobil Russia, said: "Special attention will be given during the design phase to reduce the environmental impact on the unique ecosystem of the area and to developing local infrastructure."
