Exhibit 23(b) INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT The Investment Plan Committee Willbros USA, Inc. Employees' Investment Plan: We consent to incorporation by reference herein of our report dated July 12, 1996, relating to the statements of net assets available for plan benefits of Willbros USA, Inc. Employees' Investment Plan as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for plan benefits for the years then ended, which report appears in the December 31, 1995 annual report on Form 11-K of Willbros USA, Inc. Employees' Investment Plan. KPMG PEAT MARWICK, LLP Tulsa, Oklahoma February 6, 1997