Wood has been appointed to deliver the engineering design for a new SABIC petrochemical research centre in Saudi Arabia.

As per the deal, the firm will have to provide conceptual, basic and detailed design engineering for the 65,000sqm technology centre.

According to a statement, Wood’s scope of work includes engineering design of analytical and material labs to accommodate testing, characterisation and materials analysis, in addition to supporting facilities.

“This contract demonstrates our extensive experience in the design, development and engineering delivery of key energy infrastructure, and solidifies our position as an engineering partner for Sabic’s projects in the Middle East. Wood is committed to expanding our business in Saudi Arabia, and this contract aligns with our strategic objective to grow our presence in the downstream sector in the region, particularly in petrochemicals,” said Dave Stewart, CEO of Wood’s Asset Solutions business in Europe, Africa, Asia & Australia.

The contract will be delivered by Wood’s base in Al Khobar and follows the delivery of front-end engineering design services for expansion and upgrades to other regional SABIC facilities.

Wood notes that it was also recently selected as the first PMC contractor to develop what is billed as the world’s largest fully integrated crude oil to chemicals (COTC) complex in the Kingdom. The firm will be working on behalf of SABIC and Saudi Aramco.