Aker BP begins Viper-Kobra output offshore Norway

Aker BP ASA has started production from Viper-Kobra offshore Norway. Part of Alvheim field, Viper-Kobra consists of two discoveries—Kobra in 1997 and Viper in 2009—on production license 203. The project is tied back to the Alvheim floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (OGJ Online, June 11, 2008).

Initial output from the two wells is planned at 15,000 boe/d. The two reservoirs contain 4 million bbl of recoverable oil each. Including some gas, total recoverable reserves are estimated at 9 million boe.

Development comprises a subsea installation with a pipeline tied into the Volund manifold. Of four well slots, one is from Viper, one is from Kobra, and two are slated for potential future wells in the area.

“The Viper-Kobra project is developed on time, on budget, and is a small-but-important project for Aker BP,” said Geir Solli, Aker BP senior vice-president, operation. “Viper-Kobra leverages on the existing infrastructure in the Alvheim area, thus ensuring maximum utilization of the adjacent resources and will contribute to maintain the Alvheim production at a high level.”

Viper-Kobra is part of the plan for development and operation of Alvheim, as are the other structures in the area. Development costs for Viper-Kobra are 1.8 billion kroner, including the drilling of two wells, subsea installations, pipelines, and hookup.

Ownership in Viper-Kobra reflects that of the Alvheim license, with Aker BP as operator with 65% interest, ConocoPhillips 20%, and Lundin Norway AS 15%.

Aker BP was formed earlier this year through the merger of BP Norge AS and Det norske oljeselskap ASA (OGJ Online, June 10, 2016). Aker owns 40% of company, BP 30%, and other Det norske shareholders 30%.