Table of Contents
The Norwegian Directorate of Marine Resources has granted Aker BP ASA a drilling permit for well 15/6-17, located in production license 979 in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The approval was issued under Section 13 of the Resource Management Regulations and authorizes the company to prepare for the next operational phase of the project.
With this authorization, Aker BP will be able to proceed with a well classified as exploratory and of the wildcat type, according to the technical information associated with the well registration.
Furthermore, the registered drilling permit is number 2075-L. The well’s technical data sheet indicates that the expected entry date is June 2026, so the activity aligns with Aker BP’s exploration plan in Norwegian waters.
Aker BP operates with Equinor as a partner
The license is operated by Aker BP, which holds a 60% stake. Equinor Energy AS holds the remaining 40%, a common structure in offshore exploration campaigns where geological and operational risk is shared among several partners.
Likewise, well 15/6-17 is associated with the Svarteknippa prospect, a reference that provides greater precision to the exploration program. The planned wellhead location is at 58° 38′ 12.99” N and 1° 57′ 15.48” E, coordinates that place it within an active area for oil and gas operations in the Norwegian North Sea.
The operation will be carried out using Scarabeo 8, a sixth-generation semi-submersible platform owned by Saipem. This unit was built in 2012 and is designed for demanding offshore campaigns, with a twin-deck configuration.
Furthermore, Scarabeo 8 has accommodation capacity for 140 people and can drill to a depth of 35,000 feet, equivalent to approximately 10,668 meters. This data reinforces its role as a unit suitable for exploration campaigns under complex operating conditions.
Source: Norwegian Directorate of Marine Resources
Photo: Saipem