Parker Awarded Swift Contract

Parker Drilling Company has been awarded two new contracts for land rigs in New Zealand. The first contract is with Swift Energy New Zealand Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swift Energy Company. The contract is for Parker's rig 246, and is for a six-month term. The rig is mobilizing to location and will begin drilling later this month.

The second contract is with Shell Todd Oil Services, for Parker rig 188. The contract is for two wells. The rig is expected to move to its new location within the next 30 days, following the completion of its existing contract with Marabella Enterprises Limited of Australia.

"New Zealand and the rest of the Asia Pacific market continue to be strong for our company," said Robert L. Parker Jr., president and chief executive officer. "We have had excellent working relationships with Swift and Shell Todd, and look forward to continuing our work with them."

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