Akita to build new Arctic rig

Calgary-based Akita Drilling said April 27 that it’s nearing completion of a $13.2 million drilling rig that has been custom designed for use in “northern applications.”

Akita is “engaged in contract negotiations” with a senior producer for use of the rig.

Petroleum News’ sources say the producer is Calgary-based Talisman Energy and its Alaska subsidiary FEX. Dubbed the “Arctic Wolf,” the PN source said the rig might be used by FEX in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska next winter.

Akita said the rig will be operated under an existing joint venture and that Akita will have a 50 percent ownership position once operations commence, giving credence to the PN source who said Anchorage-based Doyon Drilling will be Akita’s partner. Doyon and Akita recently completed the Arctic Fox rig for use on Alaska’s North Slope.

—Kay Cashman