Aker BP has secured regulatory approval for two drilling activities in the North Sea on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, with Saipem’s Scarabeo 8 assigned to both operations.
The main consent covers exploration well 36/4-2, known as the Alpehumle prospect, in block 36/4 under production licence 1153. The licence was awarded on 11 March 2022 and remains valid until 11 March 2030. The well is due to be drilled in a water depth of 255 m.
Aker BP operates the licence with a 40% interest. Its partners are Inpex Idemitsu Norge with 30%, OKEA with 20%, and Harbour Energy Norge with 10%.
Norway’s regulator also approved drilling of pilot hole 35/10-U-1 in production licence 1182S. That licence was awarded on 17 February 2023 and is valid until 17 February 2028.
Both wells will be drilled by Scarabeo 8, a sixth-generation dual-derrick deepwater semi-submersible built in 2012. The rig can accommodate 140 people and has a maximum drilling depth of 35,000 ft, or about 10,668 m. The unit is under contract with Aker BP into 2028.
