India's ONGC has initiated a bid process for a major, long-term contract involving the laying and replacement of up to 1000 kilometres of subsea pipelines off the country's west coast. The work is intended to support the redevelopment of maturing offshore assets, including the Mumbai High, Neelam & Heera, and Bassein & Satellite fields, to maintain their production.

Contract Scope and Structure

The tender specifically seeks a marine spread contractor to perform pipeline installation activities on a rate contract basis over a five-year period, with work likely executed in seasonal phases. The contractor will be provided with free-issue coated line pipes and riser pipes. The workscope encompasses laying and replacing subsea pipelines and risers, as well as the dismantling, removal, and disposal of old risers and riser clamps. Key components such as line pipe procurement and coating works are expected to be handled separately by ONGC.

Bid Process and Timeline

Technical and commercial offers are anticipated in April, with a contract award expected later this year. The project is expected to attract competition from leading domestic and international pipelay contractors.

Context of Ongoing Pipeline Replacement Projects

This new tender follows recent awards under ONGC's Pipeline Replacement Project (PRP) program. The UAE's Lamprell was previously selected as the preferred contractor for PRP-9, which involves the engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (EPCI) of 197.5 kilometres of pipelines across 15 segments. Awards for the prior PRP-8 phase were confirmed in 2024, including a contract with Mazagon Dock valued at 14.86 billion Indian rupees and an EPCI contract with Larsen & Toubro for 129 kilometres of pipelines.