Aker BP Cleared to Start Aerfugl Phase 1

Norwegian authorities have approved the start-up of the first phase of Aker BP's Aerfugl gas and condensate field, the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) said on October 2.

Aerfugl's production is tied to the Aker BP-operated Skarv field. But the export of its gas from Skarv will be postponed until capacity at the field's floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) is obtained. Until then Aerfugl's gas will be used to improve oil recovery at Skarv.

Aker BP operates Aerfugl with a 23.8% stake, with its partners comprising Norway's Equinor, Germany's Wintershall Dea and Poland's PGNiG. The field's first and second phases consists of three wells each. The second phase is due to start up fully in 2023, although one of its wells was brought online in April this year.