en.Wedoany.com Reported - Archer announced the signing of a five-year drilling services contract with Argentina's national oil company (YPF) to add a new ultra-spec rig to its fleet in the Vaca Muerta shale block. The contract includes two one-year extension options and is valued at approximately $90 million over the fixed term. The rig will be leased from Patterson-UTI and equipped with managed pressure drilling technology, marking the third ultra-spec rig added to Archer's Vaca Muerta fleet.

Vaca Muerta, one of the world's most resource-rich shale oil and gas regions, has seen accelerating development in recent years, with operators increasingly demanding high-end drilling equipment. The three rigs will be deployed in phases under the company's continuous growth plan: the first began operations in late June 2026, the second is expected to complete mobilization in July 2026, and the third is scheduled to commence operations in the first quarter of 2027.

Gerardo Molinaro, Archer's Vice President of Land Drilling, stated that YPF continues to lead the development of Vaca Muerta, and Archer is committed to supporting this growth. The addition of the new rig further strengthens the long-term partnership between the two companies and reinforces Archer's commitment to operational excellence. This contract further solidifies Archer's long-term position in Argentina's shale block and lays the foundation for the company's continued expansion in the region.