Italian energy services major Saipem has confirmed that Aker BP has exercised its latest contract extension for the semisub drilling rig <em>Scarabeo 8</em>, securing continued work through to the end of 2027.The extension follows the previous one-year renewal and will see the sixth-generation rig continue operations on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, including the Barents Sea.The unit will remain on charter to Aker BP until December 31, 2027.Initially, the rig secured a three-year, $325m deal with Aker BP for work offshore Norway in March 2022.The deal further cements the long-standing relationship between Saipem and Aker BP, supporting ongoing drilling campaigns in Norway with a focus on safety and high-efficiency performance, the Milan-listed company said.