Aker BP has started production from the Skarv Satellites Project (SSP), which comprises the Alve Nord, Idun Nord, and Ørn gas-condensate developments in the Norwegian Sea.

The developments add about 120 MMboe of recoverable resources to the Skarv area and are expected to contribute a significant share of production from the area in coming years, the operator said Aug. 26.

The project came on stream about a year ahead of schedule. When Norway's Ministry of Petroleum and Energy approved the plan for development and operation in 2023, start-up was targeted for third-quarter 2027.

Located near the Skarv field, the three discoveries were developed as separate subsea tiebacks under SSP. Each development includes a subsea template and two wells tied back to the Skarv floating production, storage, and offloading vessel (FPSO).

"The Skarv Satellites strengthen one of our most important production areas and will generate significant value for many years to come," said Karl Johnny Hersvik, chief executive officer of Aker BP.

"With the start-up of SSP, we have now delivered the entire portfolio of subsea tieback projects sanctioned in 2022," Hersvik said.

Aker BP is operator of the Skarv area developments. Partners in Alve Nord (PL 127C) are Harbour Energy (20%), ORLEN Upstream Norway (11.9%), and JAPEX Norge (10%). Partners in Idun Nord (PL 159D) are Equinor (36.2%), Harbour Energy (28.1%), and ORLEN Upstream Norway (11.9%). Partners in Ørn are ORLEN Upstream Norway (40%) and Equinor (30%).