ABL, a global energy and marine consultancy, has secured a contract to deliver marine warranty survey (MWS) services to Saipem for the Bouri Gas Utilisation Project (BGUP) in Libya.

This collaboration will support the marine transportation and installation activities being conducted by Saipem at the BGUP.

Under the terms of the agreement, ABL will carry out technical assessments and provide approvals for all project documentation, drawings and calculations pertaining to warranted marine operations.

The company's responsibilities also include suitability surveys and other marine assurance deliverables for the proposed fleet. ABL's scope of work may extend to dynamic positioning trials if required.

The consultancy will provide on-site attendance to review and approve warranted marine operations.

Saipem 7000, a semi-submersible crane vessel developed by Saipem, will be deployed for the main heavy lift operations.

ABL MWS project manager and business development manager Sergio Leone said: “We are really pleased to be appointed to support Saipem on this project – following a long history of successful collaboration with the company.

“The BGUP project seeks to improve delivery and production of natural gas to Libya, with potential to supply further in North Africa. It is an important energy infrastructure project for North Africa as a whole.”

The BGUP will enhance infrastructure such as offshore platforms and facilities at the Bouri gas field, located 120km north-west of Tripoli in water depths of 145–183m.

This upgrade is set to reduce the field's CO₂ emissions, thereby improving its overall carbon footprint.

ABL managing director for energy services Europe and West Africa Shai Tzucker said: “Whilst the project will be managed from our operational HQ in London, on-site attendances and vessel surveys will be supported by our extensive marine surveyor footprint across Europe and North Africa.

“We also benefit from an established market presence and MWS track record in neighbouring Egypt.”

The engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning contract for a 5000-tonne gas recovery model on the existing DP4 offshore facility was awarded to Saipem in August 2023.

The contract also involves laying 28km of pipelines that will connect the DP3, DP4 and Sabratha platforms.