Aker BP has started production from the Skarv Satellite Project (SSP) in the Norwegian Sea, bringing the Alve Nord, Idun Nord and Ørn fields into production. The project has started one year ahead of its original schedule. The three fields are located close to the Skarv field in the northern Norwegian Sea and have been developed as separate subsea projects. Each development consists of a subsea template and two wells connected to the Skarv FPSO.
Together, the fields represent approximately 120 million barrels of oil equivalent in recoverable resources. Their connection to existing Skarv infrastructure is expected to extend the productive life of the area while allowing Aker BP and its partners to make greater use of established facilities. The developments have a reported carbon dioxide intensity of approximately 4.5 kilograms of CO₂ per barrel of oil equivalent, supported by the use of existing infrastructure and the coordinated development approach.
Karl Johnny Hersvik, CEO of Aker BP, said the start-up marks an important milestone for the company and demonstrates the benefits of coordinated project execution. He said the three fields were brought on stream through a single integrated project one year earlier than originally planned, with close cooperation between Aker BP, alliance partners and suppliers.
The company said the Skarv Satellite Project completes the portfolio of subsea tie-back projects sanctioned by Aker BP in 2022. The projects have been delivered safely, with strong cost control and schedules maintained at or ahead of plan. The project was executed using Aker BP’s alliance model, involving OneSubsea, Subsea7, Aker Solutions and Halliburton, with Saipem supporting the drilling phase. The companies worked together on engineering, construction, drilling and subsea development.
Using shared infrastructure and coordinated execution helped improve resource utilisation across the three developments. Around 60% of project deliveries were sourced from Norwegian suppliers, contributing to regional economic activity and supporting the domestic supply chain.
Production from the Skarv Satellites is expected to provide a significant contribution to Aker BP’s output from the Skarv area over the coming years. The company also expects the new production to strengthen the area as a platform for further exploration and development.
The ownership structure differs across the three licences. For Alve Nord (PL 127C), Aker BP is operator with a 58.1% interest, while Harbour Energy holds 20%, ORLEN Upstream Norway 11.9% and JAPEX Norge 10%. For Idun Nord (PL 159D), Aker BP is operator with a 23.8% interest. Equinor holds 36.2%, Harbour Energy 28.1% and ORLEN Upstream Norway 11.9%.
For Ørn (PL 942), Aker BP is operator with a 30% interest. ORLEN Upstream Norway holds 40% and Equinor 30%. The start of production strengthens Aker BP’s position in the Norwegian Sea and adds new resources to an established production area. By using existing infrastructure, the project also supports efficient development of nearby resources.
Aker BP is engaged in exploration, field development and oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf. The company operates the Alvheim, Edvard Grieg, Skarv, Ula and Valhall field centres and the Yggdrasil development, and is a partner in the Johan Sverdrup field. Aker BP is headquartered at Fornebu and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker AKRBP.
