Oil and gas production and sales
Aker BP's net production in the third quarter 2019 was 146.1 thousand barrels of oil equivalents per day ("mboepd"). The production volumes were below plan mainly due to delayed stimulation and consequently start of production from new wells at Valhall following the planned maintenance shutdown in June. The delay has no impact on reserves. The start-up of new wells at Valhall, and the ramp-up of the Johan Sverdrup field which started production in early October, are expected to contribute to significant production growth over the coming quarters.

Net sold volumes, which are the basis for revenue recognition in the financial statement, were 143.3 mboepd, reflecting 2.9 mboepd in underlift. Production volumes per field are specified below. The volumes are subject to final re-allocation.

Asset Q3-19 Q2-19 Q3-18
Alvheim area 51.4 53.1 56.7
Ivar Aasen       22.5 19.1 22.7
Skarv 21.7 22.7 23.3
Ula area 8.6 6.2 10.5
Valhall area 40.3 24.5 36.0
Other 1.7 1.7 1.4
Net production 146.1 127.3 150.6
Over/(underlift) (2.9) 13.4 (2.3)
Net sold volume 143.3 140.7 148.3
Of which liquids 113.4 112.8 117.6
Of which natural gas 29.8 27.9 30.7

Operating expenses
As described in the second quarter 2019 report, the company in June discovered a failure in the tether frame connections on one of the Mid Water Assemblies ("MWA") at Alvheim. In the third quarter, costs related to repairs amounted to approximately USD 14 million net to Aker BP. These costs will be recorded as production costs in the third quarter, with any related insurance recoveries to be recognised in future periods.

Impairment of technical goodwill
The company expects to make an impairment charge in the third quarter 2019 of approximately USD 80 million related to technical goodwill. There is no deferred tax associated with technical goodwill, hence this charge will not be tax deductible.

Tax
The effective tax rate for the third quarter is expected to be impacted by impairment of technical goodwill and an increase in deferred tax primarily driven by currency movements (stronger USD versus NOK). As a result, the effective tax rate is expected to be well above 100 percent for the quarter. The tax payments during the quarter were USD 106 million, in line with previous guidance.

Disclaimer
The information in this statement is based on a preliminary assessment of the company's third quarter 2019 financial results. The company has not completed its financial reporting and related review and control procedures. The estimates provided may therefore be subject to change and the financial statements finally approved and released by the company may deviate materially from the information herein.