The Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Co. (Pty.) Ltd. (Rompco) has awarded Foster Wheeler South Africa (Pty.) Ltd. an engineering, procurement, and construction contract to increase to 147 megajoules the capacity of Rompco"s 120-megajoule pipeline between Temane gas field in Mozambique and a Sasol coal-to-liquids complex in Secunda, South Africa. Initial plans for the pipeline called for an eventual capacity of 240 megajoules.

The 26-in. pipeline, which began operations in 2004, extends for 865 km, including 340 km in South Africa. The capacity expansion involves adding a new compressor station, including two gas turbine-driven compressors units, at Komatipoort, South Africa, near the border with Mozambique.

Mozambique"s Instituto Nacional de Petroleos estimates Temane"s reserves at 1 tcf, with a planned 25-year production life from initial start-up in early 2004. Temane is held by Sasol 70% and the Mozambican government 30%.

Foster Wheeler announced the pipeline capacity expansion award Feb. 7. Rompco is a joint venture of Sasol Gas 50%, Mozambique"s state Companhia Mocambicana do Gasoduto 25%, and South Africa"s state iGas 25%.

PIN/OGJ.COM