Archer has won a five-year drilling contract from YPF worth roughly $90 million over the firm term, adding a third super-spec rig to its fleet in Argentina's Vaca Muerta shale play. The deal carries two one-year extension options on top of the initial five years.
The rig will carry managed pressure drilling (MPD) technology, a method of controlling wellbore pressure more precisely while drilling. Archer said the added capability supports better drilling efficiency, operational reliability and safety on the well.
Third rig in a three-rig build-out
The new contract covers the third of three additional super-spec rigs Archer has added to its Vaca Muerta fleet as part of what the company calls its ongoing strategic growth plan there. The first of the three rigs began operating in late June 2026. The second is expected to mobilize during July 2026. The rig tied to this new YPF contract is expected to start operations in the first quarter of 2027.
The rig will be leased from Patterson-UTI.
The award extends Archer's position in Vaca Muerta, which the company calls one of the world's most active unconventional shale plays.
Archer on the deal
Gerardo Molinaro, Archer's vice president of land drilling, said YPF "continues to lead the development of Vaca Muerta" and that the new rig "strengthens our long-standing relationship" with the operator. He said the added MPD capacity will help the company "enhance drilling performance while delivering safe, efficient and reliable operations."
