GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd Awards Significant North Sea Contract to AMEC

ABERDEEN, Scotland, October 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd has awarded a significant contract to AMEC for the Cygnus field development, which at its peak is expected to create an estimated 150 jobs.

The Front End Engineering & Design (FEED) contract, including the option to proceed into detailed design and procurement services, is valued in total at approximately £50 million and was bid against competition from other UK and European contractors.

AMEC will start work immediately on the FEED project, with completion scheduled for the first half of 2012. The contract is the start of several major projects currently being tendered by GDF SUEZ E&P UK to support the Cygnus field development in the Southern North Sea.

Jean-Claude Perdigues, managing director at GDF SUEZ E&P UK, said: "The FEED contract award represents a major milestone for the Cygnus development and underlines our strong commitment to the UK Continental Shelf. I look forward to working closely with AMEC as we progress the field development project towards final investment decision in 2012."

Issued on behalf of GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd byThe BIG Partnership.

About GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd

GDF SUEZ E&P UK Ltd is involved in the exploration for and production of oil and gas in the Southern and Central North Sea and West of Shetland area.  In total, the company employs around 120 staff at the London office and the operations centre in Aberdeen.  In the UK, GDF SUEZ E&P holds 46 exploration licences (16 as an operator) and 16 producing fields located in the UK North Sea.

Cygnus is one of the most significant undeveloped gas fields in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf. Analysis of the results from the discovery well and six appraisal wells, together with 3-D seismic evaluations, has led to a preliminary ultimate recovery estimate of at least 15 billion m³ of natural gas and potentially up to 28 billion m³. The development plan is for a four platform complex with two drilling centres and up to 10 wells. Final negotiations are underway on the export route. Project sanction is expected for Q1 2012.

About GDF SUEZ

GDF SUEZ develops its businesses around a model based on responsible growth to take up today's major energy and environmental challenges: meeting energy needs, ensuring the security of supply, fighting against climate change and maximizing the use of resources.

The Group provides highly efficient and innovative solutions to individuals, cities and businesses by relying on diversified gas-supply sources, flexible and low-emission power generation as well as unique expertise in four key sectors: liquefied natural gas, energy efficiency services, independent power production and environmental services.

GDF SUEZ employs 218,350 people worldwide and achieved revenues of €84.5 billion in 2010.

The Group is listed on the Brussels, Luxembourg and Paris stock exchanges and is represented in the main international indices: CAC 40, BEL 20, DJ Stoxx 50, DJ Euro Stoxx 50, Euronext 100, FTSE Eurotop 100, MSCI Europe, ASPI Eurozone and ECPI Ethical Index EMU.