ONGC readies offshore platform bidder shortlist

Vol 22, PW 23 (05 Sep 19) Exploration & Production

More than a year after it had the idea, ONGC is close to announcing a shortlist of EPC contractors for the construction and installation of unmanned wellhead platforms in the western offshore.

ONGC originally planned to announce the shortlist on August 16 but extended this first to September 3 then to September 17. Those who make the list will be eligible to receive limited tenders from ONGC.

In the race are six contractors: Prajakta Power and Trading (Essar Group) with 51% in consortium with Indonesia's PT Gunanusa (49%); AFCONS in partnership with Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE); Larsen & Toubro (L&T); NPCC; Sapura Energy's subsidiary Sapura Fabrication; and PetroVietnam Technical Services (PTSC). All of them sent clarifications on August 29 to the first round of technical queries raised by ONGC.

Still unclear is whether ONGC will raise another set of queries. When announced, this shortlist will be valid for two years and bidders who receive limited tenders must submit offers for evaluation based on commercial and financial criteria.

ONGC is also almost ready with the first limited unmanned platform tender. It will be for four or six unmanned wellhead platforms at the upcoming Phase-2 development of the Daman field in the western offshore, estimated to be worth $1bn.

ONGC is thinking of splitting Phase-2 into separate tenders after its unhappy experience with Swiber which won Phase-1 in 2015 quoting $308m but left the project incomplete after it went bankrupt in 2016.

Daman Phase-2 will have six unmanned wellhead platforms, of which two will be in the vicinity of the proposed process platforms. ONGC originally planned to club the four unmanned wellhead platforms for Daman Phase-2 in one tender and the remaining two in the separate tender for process platforms with living quarters. Some at ONGC believe it's best course of action is to club the six unmanned wellhead platforms together under a single tender. Others are against splitting up the Daman Phase-2 project arguing ONGC should not deal with multiple EPC contractors for a single project. Still others believe it is unlikely that Daman Phase-2 will be issued as a single tender post-Swiber. For the unmanned wellhead platforms shortlist, ONGC first met likely bidders on August 6, 2018. A formal notice to bidders was issued on April 16, 2019, a pre-bid was held on April 30 and technical offers were accepted by the extended July 11 deadline. Companies not on the first proposed shortlist need not despair. New companies can join the shortlist on an ongoing basis as and when ONGC opens up the process.

ONGC readies offshore platform bidder shortlist

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