Sonatrach has awarded Baker Hughes with a major contract for a gas-boosting project for the Hassi R’Mel gas field in Algeria, Baker Hughes said on May 23.

The contract is part of a larger order awarded to a consortium of Baker Hughes and Tecnimont, part of technology and engineering group MAIRE.

Baker Hughes’ award scope includes the supply of 20 compression trains to be installed across three gas boosting stations within the Hassi R’ Mel gas field. Packaging of the compressor trains, as well as manufacturing of the compressors and testing of the trains, will take place at Baker Hughes’ facilities in Italy.

Located 550 km south of Algiers, Hassi R’ Mel is the largest gas field in Algeria and one of the largest in the world. The Hassi R’ Mel Project is part of a strategic collaboration between Algeria and Italy, which includes recently signed agreements to foster bilateral cooperation and provide financial support for Algeria’s gas production.