The Woodlands, Texas – – September 12, 2026 -- Arena Energy, LLC has begun a multi-well drilling program on the Gulf of America Shelf using the WFD 450, the deepest-rated water depth jack-up rig operating in the region, following a $65 million acquisition and refurbishment by drilling partner White Fleet Drilling, LLC.
White Fleet Spent $65 Million Reviving a Rig Idle for Seven Years
The WFD 450 was originally built in 1999 and operated by Valaris before being cold-stacked in shallow Gulf waters for seven years. White Fleet Drilling acquired the rig and funded what it calls one of the most significant jack-up refurbishment investments in the Gulf of America in recent years, christening it on January 9, 2026, and deploying it to active drilling in late March.
Rig's 400-Foot Reach Opens Previously Undrillable Reserves
The WFD 450 can drill in water depths up to 400 feet and to total depths of 30,000 feet, capabilities Arena says give it access to platforms beyond the reach of the existing Gulf of America rig fleet. Arena expects the added reach to unlock proved reserves left undeveloped due to prior equipment constraints.
Rig Now Drilling Arena's Leasehold in Southern Eugene Island
Since deployment, the WFD 450 has been drilling for Arena in the Southern Eugene Island area and is scheduled to continue operations across Arena's leasehold on the Shelf.
"Nobody invests $65 million in a rig for a single drilling season,