Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. announced that it was awarded a contract from Shell Deutschland Oil GmbH to provide project management and engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) services to support the "Connect" project in Rhineland, Germany.

Officials did not disclose the contract value, however, they noted that the project is scheduled to be completed early in 2013.

Jacobs' EPCM scope includes piping tie-ins, instrumentation, steel structures, pump stations, and other infrastructure components. An onsite Jacobs/Shell team of approximately 50 personnel is executing the work supported by Jacobs' office in Mumbai, India.

The project involves the construction of two tunnels under the Rhine River to connect Shell's two German Rhineland refinery sites, which are 2.36 miles (3.8 kilometers) apart. The tunnels are being developed by a specialist contractor. Jacobs is designing and installing the infrastructure inside the battery limits (ISBL) of each refinery site to connect each facility to the tunnels. Once completed, the Connect project is anticipated to enable Shell to optimize operational synergies between the two sites. With the facility integration, Shell expects to enhance and increase its production of clean fuels.

In making the announcement, Jacobs Group Vice President Robert Matha stated, "We look forward to supporting Shell's operational goals with this innovative project and to apply our knowledge of both the area and the two Shell refineries. This project builds on Jacobs' longstanding relationship with Shell around the world."

To see the Reinland refinery site