Manama, Sept. 17 (BNA): Contracts of the new oil pipeline project linking Bahrain to Saudi Arabia were signed today in the presence of Energy Minister Dr. Abdul Hussain bin Ali Mirza. They were concluded by Board Chairman of Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Deputy Board Chairman of Saudi ARAMCO Fahad Al Hilal.

Saudi Al-Rabie Holding company won the contract of building the land line while the UAE National Petroleum Construction Company will take charge of the under-sea part of the project. The two companies won the contracts after a tough competition with international ones which testifies to the good reputation of the GCC firms. Tenders will be put in place for Bahraini companies soon.

The signing was attended by a host of dignitaries and senior officials from the oil and gas sector in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The agreement is considered as a landmark event given the importance of the new oil pipeline in supporting the oil and gas sector and backing efforts aimed at developing the energy sector and boosting sustainable development.

The new 115-km pipeline (42 km under water and 73 km on the land) is expected to cater for the growing demand for crude oil after implementation of Bapco Refinery modernisation project.

Bapco Board Chairman Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa took pride in signing the agreement, describing it as a milestone for both Bapco and ARAMCO as it reflects solid relations between both companies throughout history.

A O Q

BNA 1842 GMT 2015/09/17