Santos has completed the first loading of crude oil cargo from the Pikka phase 1 development located on Alaska’s North Slope, marking the start of commercial exports from the project.
The initial cargo, containing 450,000 barrels (bbl) of Alaska North Slope crude, was loaded onto the Polar Resolution at the Valdez Marine Terminal. It is being shipped to refining facilities on the US West Coast.
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Current production at Pikka phase 1 stands at approximately 23,000 barrels of oil per day (gross), with plans to gradually increase output towards plateau production of about 80,000 barrels per day (bpd).
Santos expects to reach this target during the third quarter of 2026.
The Australian energy company operates the Pikka project with a 51% interest, while Repsol holds the remaining 49%.
Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said: “When the Pikka Field was discovered, the Nanushuk formation was recognised as a new generation play in an established global super basin, and we are proud to be at the forefront of unlocking its resource potential.
“The Pikka phase 1 project has demonstrated Santos’ capability to develop this world-class resource safely, responsibly and efficiently. We are already improving technical limits during our drilling program that save time and cost, and we will continue to pursue improved performance.
“With Pikka phase 1 now in operation, our focus is on transitioning from project execution to our disciplined, low-cost operating model, to maximise the project’s long-term value for shareholders.”
Production at the Pikka phase 1 development began in May 2026, with the objective of reaching an initial gross output of 20,000bpd.
During the commissioning phase, output is expected to be intermittent and will ramp up over several weeks as essential subsystems are brought online.
