The first new drill site at Kuparuk in more than a decade, the US$475 million DS2S project began producing in October, two months ahead of its original December start date.

At its peak, DS2S is expected to add 8000 barrels per day to gross production. It is a joint venture between Conoco­Phillips, BP, ExxonMobil and Chevron.

The project includes 14 new development wells, a new gravel road, and a new drilling pad capable of handling 24 wells.