Aker BP, Aker Solutions, and Subsea 7 have initiated the fabrication work for the first of three seabed installations, known as subsea manifolds, for a significant oil and gas project in the Norwegian Sea. This construction milestone was marked within Aker Solutions' workshop halls in Sandnessjøen.

The Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy approved the plans for the development and operation of several oil and gas projects on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in June 2023. Aker BP awarded contracts to strategic suppliers and alliance partners for these ventures, amounting to tens of billions of kroner. Notably, Aker Solutions, Aibel, Subsea 7, and ABL Group are among the recipients of these contracts.

The construction launch for the Skarv Satellite Project (SSP), one of these projects, was celebrated on August 29, 2023. Aker BP, along with partners in the Subsea Alliance (Aker Solutions and Subsea 7), and the Modification Alliance (Aker BP and Aker Solutions), marked the milestone. The Modification Alliance will execute extensive modifications on the FPSO Skarv to facilitate production from the satellite developments.

Aker BP emphasized that the Skarv Satellite Project will enhance the profitability of the FPSO Skarv and extend its lifespan. This project aligns with the stimulus package adopted by the Norwegian parliament to sustain activity, jobs, and industry development during challenging times marked by the pandemic, plummeting oil prices, and reduced investments.

The Skarv Satellite Project encompasses three distinct seabed developments: Alve Nord, Idun Nord, and Ørn. These developments will be linked to the FPSO Skarv off the coast of Helgeland. The total investment framework is approximately NOK 17 billion (nearly £1.57 billion), and recoverable resources are estimated at around 120 million barrels of oil equivalent, predominantly gas.

Each of the three developments consists of a subsea template with four well slots and two wells tied back to the FPSO Skarv. The shared infrastructure approach aims to reduce costs and enhance efficiencies across the deliveries.

Production startup is anticipated in Q3 2027, with an estimated production period of six to ten years. The project is expected to generate around 7,800 man-years of employment during the development and operation phase. Aker BP's partners in this endeavor are Wintershall Dea, Equinor, and PGNIG.

Aker BP highlighted the importance of utilizing local suppliers, with approximately 60% of investments expected to be sourced from Norwegian suppliers. The Skarv Satellite development is not only poised to enhance production but also paves the way for future developments in the region linked to new discoveries, contributing to sustained high production from the FPSO Skarv.