Dredging contract for Manifa field signals a start on extensive works at the facility

Saudi Aramco has announced a contract with Belgian dredging contractor Jan De Nul, to help develop the Manifa offshore oil field. Although Saudi Aramco refused to comment on the value of the deal and was uncertain of an exact start date, it has scheduled completion for 2009. The dredging works are the start of a project that will result in a 900000 barrel per day (bpd) facility.