Skilled won the contract, from Portugal-based Saipem, to provide construction and marine crews for pipe-lay vessels on the 889km gas export pipeline forming part of the $US34 billion ($A36.26 billion) Ichthys LNG project. The total value of the contract is $A200 million, but includes provisions for the supply of technical professional roles to the project, which could increase the contract's value. Construction work is expected to begin towards the end of the 2014 financial year.