Recently formed Norwegian operator Aker BP has set out an ambition to discover a net 250 MMboe in reserves in 2016–2020.
At a capital markets day, the firm said it is planning four operated exploration wells and three partner-operated exploration wells in 2017.
During the year, the firm also plans to submit three plans for development and operation (PDOs) for projects on the Norwegian Continental Shelf. These are for Snadd, a subsea-tie-in to the Skarv floating production (FPSO) facility, with expected production start in 2020; Valhall West Flank, with expected production start-up in 2021; and Storklakken, a subsea-tie-in to the Alvheim FPSO, which is expected to start producing in 2020.
In 2017, Aker BP will have four operated rigs; the jackup Maersk Interceptor on the Aasen field and then other locations; the Transocean Arctic on Volund and Boa, start of drilling on Valhall injection platform; and Valhall DP will resume plugging of wells using the Maersk Invincible jackup, delivered early this year.
Last year, the firm grew its resource base by 83 MMboe through exploration activity. Aker BP, former by the merger of BP's Norway business and Det Norske, also brought on stream new projects late last year.
Ivar Aasen came on stream on Christmas Eve – on schedule and within the overall budget framework. In November last year, the company also announced start-up of production from Viper-Kobra, a subsea field tied in to the Alvheim FPSO, a project also completed on time and on budget.
Aker BP is also targeting improved oil recovery projects and continuous improvement in efficiency and resource utilization, the firm says.
Aker BP plans to drill a new infill well and a gas lift project at Tambar. These and the Oda tie-in project should contribute to increased future production in the Ula area.
Preparations for a seven-well drilling program from the injection platform (IP) on the Valhall field center are planned for early 2017, and the plan is to drill a total of three of these wells in the course of 2017.
The work to start production from new Ivar Aasen wells continues, and drilling on the field is planned to resume in Q1.
On the Skarv FPSO, test production from Snadd will continue to provide information to be included in the PDO, due to be submitted in autumn.
”The company is well-positioned for achieving our ambition of becoming the leading offshore, independent exploration and production company,” says Aker BP CEO Karl Johnny Hersvik.
Image: Aker BP's Ivar Aasen.
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