Norwegian oil and gas player Aker BP has received consent from Norway's offshore safety regulator for
exploration drilling in the North Sea off Norway, which will be carried out using one of Saipem's semi-submersible
rigs.

The Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) recently gave Aker BP consent for exploration drilling in block
25/2 in the North Sea. The prospect, Frigg Gamma Delta geopilot, is located in production licence 442, which
was awarded on 16 June 2007 and is valid until 15 June 2027.

Aker BP is the operator of the licence with an ownership interest of 87.7 per cent, while its partner, PGNiG
Upstream Norway, holds the remaining 12.3 per cent interest. The water depth at the location is around 120
metres and the drilling operations for the wells 25/2-25 A and S will be carried out with the Scarabeo 8 semi-
submersible rig, which was hired on a three-year deal, worth $325 million, in March 2022.

Scarabeo 8 is a sixth-generation dual derrick deepwater semi-submersible drilling rig capable of working in harsh
environments with a dynamic positioning system and enhanced mooring capabilities. This rig can accommodate
140 people and its maximum drilling depth is 35,000 ft.