Construction has begun on QatarEnergy’s $4 billion Bul Hanine EPIC project offshore Qatar, marking the start of a major new phase for the country’s offshore energy infrastructure.
China National Offshore Oil Engineering Co. (COOEC) began construction activity on 15 September 2026 at its fabrication facility in Qingdao, Shandong, following the award of the project in 2025. Completion is expected by mid 2031.
The project represents COOEC’s largest international offshore oil and gas engineering and general contracting project by value, covering a substantial programme of engineering, fabrication and offshore installation work.
More Than 60 Offshore Facilities
The Bul Hanine development will involve engineering, procurement, fabrication, transportation, offshore installation and commissioning for more than 60 standalone offshore oil and gas facilities.
The scope also includes approximately 40 subsea pipelines and cables, alongside modifications to existing platforms and the decommissioning of obsolete facilities.
More than 130,000 tonnes of steel are expected to be used throughout the project, reflecting the scale of the infrastructure being developed for QatarEnergy.
The combination of new offshore facilities, subsea infrastructure and modifications to existing assets makes the project a wide ranging engineering programme extending across multiple stages of the offshore development process.
Digital Technology Supports Construction
COOEC will use 3D digital modelling and full process engineering simulation technologies as part of the project.
These technologies will support the engineering and fabrication process, helping to coordinate the different elements of a development involving offshore facilities, subsea infrastructure and existing platforms.
The project will draw on capabilities across China’s offshore engineering supply chain, with fabrication taking place at COOEC’s facilities before components are transported for offshore installation.
Supporting Qatar’s Offshore Energy Strategy
The Bul Hanine development forms part of QatarEnergy’s wider strategy for its offshore assets, including the redevelopment of mature oil fields and investment in new energy infrastructure.
Qatar is also progressing major gas developments, including the expansion of the North Field, creating a significant pipeline of offshore engineering and construction activity.
The wider programme has attracted international contractors through a number of major projects, with companies involved across offshore engineering, construction and energy infrastructure.
A Major International Contract for COOEC
For COOEC, the Bul Hanine project represents an important addition to its international offshore portfolio and its largest overseas contract of this type by value.
The company’s responsibilities will extend from engineering and procurement through to fabrication, transportation, offshore installation and commissioning.
With construction now under way in Qingdao, the project is moving into a long term delivery programme that will continue through fabrication and offshore installation before the expected completion in mid 2031.
The scale of the development, including more than 60 offshore facilities, around 40 subsea pipelines and cables and more than 130,000 tonnes of steel, highlights the size of the infrastructure programme.
As work progresses, Bul Hanine will form another significant part of Qatar’s ongoing investment in its offshore energy infrastructure, while providing COOEC with a major international project extending across the remainder of the decade.
Source: Oil & Gas Middle East
Image: Oil & Gas Middle East