Aker BP has exercised the option to extend a contract with Saipem for the semi-submersible drilling unit Scarabeo 8 until 31 December 2027.

The extension is a direct continuation of the previous one-year contract and solidifies the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.

The contract was originally awarded by Aker BP to Saipem for a drilling campaign for a three-year period in March 2022. The $325m (€284.88m) contract included the option of two one-year extensions.

The Scarabeo 8, a sixth-generation drilling unit owned by Saipem, will continue to perform drilling activities for Aker BP offshore Norway.

Designed to withstand challenging offshore conditions, the derrick deep-water unit is equipped with dynamic positioning and advanced mooring systems, adhering to the highest regulatory standards.

Saipem's Scarabeo 8 drilling rig was previously employed on various projects with major oil companies across the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS), including the Barents Sea.

In a press release, Saipem said this contract extension is a testament to the unit's high performance and Saipem's commitment to safety and efficiency.

In July 2024, Aker BP and its partners announced a gas discovery in an exploration well, drilled with the Scarabeo 8 rig in the Barents Sea, nearly 300km off Norway’s northern coastline. 

Designated 7324/8-4 (Hassel), the discovery followed the initial exploration effort at well 7324/6-2 in production licence 1170.

Saipem provides engineering services for the design, construction and operation of complex energy infrastructure and plants, both offshore and onshore.

With an employee base of 30,000, the company operates in 50 countries through six business lines: Asset Based Services, Drilling, Energy Carriers, Offshore Wind, Robotics & Industrialized Solutions, and Sustainable Infrastructures.