Santos Brings Pikka Phase 1 Online at 20,000 bpd, Eyes 80,000 bpd Plateau
According to World Oil, Santos has commenced continuous production at its Pikka Phase 1 oil development on Alaska’s North Slope, with the first wells now delivering approximately 20,000 bopd of gross production. The company is targeting a plateau of roughly 80,000 bopd in the third quarter of 2026, with seawater injection for reservoir pressure support set to begin in the coming weeks. Pikka, operated by Santos in partnership with Repsol, brings approximately 400 MMbbl of gross 2P reserves into production, with an additional 600 MMbbl of gross 2C resources potentially supporting future phases.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Pikka’s ramp to 80,000 bopd through Q3 2026 means sustained near-term demand for drilling, completions, and production services on the North Slope as additional wells come online progressively.
- Seawater injection operations starting in the coming weeks will require specialized injection equipment and service crews, opening near-term work opportunities for Alaska-based field service companies.
- Santos has flagged staged expansion potential beyond Phase 1, meaning subcontractors who establish themselves on Pikka now are positioned for longer-term work across one of Alaska’s largest recent oil discoveries.
