Foster Wheeler AG announced that a subsidiary of its Global Engineering and Construction Group has been awarded a process design and front-end engineering design (FEED) services contract by PDVSA for the new Batalla Santa Ines Refinery Phase I Hydroskimming section to be built in Barinas, Venezuela.

The terms of the contract were not disclosed. An initial release of work was included in the company's first-quarter 2011 bookings. The majority of the contract value will be included in the company's second-quarter 2011 bookings.

Foster Wheeler's scope of work includes the preparation of the basic engineering design package, FEED and early procurement assistance for the crude distillation unit, the naphtha hydrotreater, the continuous catalytic reformer and the utilities and offsite facilities. The FEED is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of 2011.

"Foster Wheeler is very pleased to have been selected for this important project, which is another step in its successful working relationship with PDVSA and follows the award for the major expansion of the El Palito Refinery in Venezuela," said Umberto della Sala, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Foster Wheeler AG. "This award reflects our in-depth refinery expertise and our strong position in the important South American market."