SICIM, an international energy sector company based in Busseto, Italy, has been awarded a major portion of Saudi Aramco’s “Master Gas System Expansion Phase 3” (MGS III) project. The project, which is valued at around $1.5 billion, marks a significant step for SICIM in aiding the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s national gas transportation network.
Recently, Saudi Aramco allocated over $25 billion in contracts to enhance the country’s infrastructure. SICIM’s involvement focuses on the MGS III expansion, the third phase of the national gas transportation network’s development, initially built in the 1970s and upgraded in 2015. The aim is to improve gas efficiency and reduce liquid fuel usage by 2030.
SICIM, collaborating with Nesma & Partners, will handle sections 10 and 14 of the project, which involve laying pipelines. Section 10 entails installing a 56-inch gas pipeline spanning 310 km from sector STS-2 to sector STS-1. Section 14 covers the installation of various diameter pipes over 212 km in the Shoaiba region. The pipelines will be equipped with 18 mainline valves for flow control, 12 launch and receiving traps for cleaning and maintenance, and 26 burn pits for disposal. Each section will also include civil, mechanical, and electromechanical work.
“The project presents unique challenges, particularly the installation of large-diameter pipelines through mountainous and rugged terrain”, said Guido Cagnani, Managing Director and Vice President of SICIM. “Having been present in the region since 2018, SICIM will ensure detailed planning to manage timelines, costs, and regulatory and environmental impacts associated with transporting pipes to hard-to-reach areas. Our dedicated team, including design engineers, construction planners, logistics specialists, and material suppliers, is deeply involved in defining the overall strategy and execution program”.
For project execution, SICIM will utilize its Project Control Center (PCC) and Smart Site Safety Solution (4S), developed based on the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. These technologies will monitor and ensure worker safety on-site, minimizing the risk of serious accidents during construction.
“These technological solutions enable real-time data collection on safety performance and workforce numbers, remote site monitoring, risk assessment for potential incidents, minimization of project delays, and evaluation of necessary operations and activities”, stated Leonardo Gravina, General Manager of the Italian Group. “Our involvement in expanding Saudi Arabia’s national gas network allows us to strengthen our expertise in managing turnkey projects, covering all phases from design to implementation”.
The project will involve more than 3,500 people, totaling 25 million work hours, and over 700 heavy vehicles and equipment for its completion. The contract signing ceremony featured Amin H. Nasser, President and CEO of Aramco, and Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who officially launched the project activities. The SICIM contract is expected to be completed by 2028.
