Santos boosts Pikka oil output to 40000 barrels

• Santos has increased crude output at its Alaskan Pikka Project to 40,000 barrels per day.
• The field's output rose from initial levels of 23,000 barrels per day following the operational launch of a seawater injection system.
• The production expansion supports Santos' plan to boost overall output by 20% to 30% in the second half.

Santos (ASX:STO) has lifted crude oil production at its Pikka Project in Alaska to 40,000 barrels per day after commissioning a seawater pressure injection system.

The current volume represents a substantial operational increase from the asset's initial output level of 23,000 barrels per day.

The field expansion relies on seawater injection to provide critical reservoir pressure support, with joint-venture partner Repsol holding the remaining 49% interest.

The company stated that it aims to achieve full output capacity of roughly 80,000 barrels per day at the site by the end of the month.

Following the announcement, the Santos share price was up 0.36% at $8.31.

Pikka represents one of two core growth assets designed to expand the business footprint in the North American region.

Management projected that these combined developments will lift total group production this half by 20% to 30% compared to the June half.