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Energy Services Firm High Arctic Overseas to Restart Drilling for Papua New Guinea Client

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Canadian energy services company High Arctic Overseas intends to recommence drilling activity in Papua New Guinea after receiving a request for the work from its principal client there, the company said on Monday.

The request from the client, whose name was not given, asks High Arctic Overseas to remobilize workers and equipment from July 2026 to reactivate Drilling Rig 103 in PNG, according to a company statement.

High Arctic's long-standing drilling services contract with the Papua New Guinea client was renewed for two years, effective May 1 with an option for further extension on the same terms and conditions beyond April 30, 2028.

"We will commence with a series of planned reactivation and re-commissioning works aimed at ensuring that Rig 103 maintains current certification and optimum operating condition. It is expected that drilling of the first well will commence in Q4 2026," said Mike Maguire, High Arctic Chief Executive Officer in the statement.

The drilling plan includes four approved wells, with potential to include more unapproved ones, which could keep Rig 103 operating beyond the current contract period, the statement said.

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