APA Alaska Will Drill Two North Slope Wells
The company plans winter operations following its $70 million acquisition of Savant Alaska.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Oil and Gas
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APA Alaska will drill one exploration well and one appraisal well on the North Slope during the 2026-2027 winter season. This follows a $70 million agreement to purchase Savant Alaska LLC, which is expected to close by the end of 2026.
Why it matters
The drilling program aims to define the scale of the Sockeye discovery while utilizing newly acquired infrastructure. Securing the Badami production facility and Nutaaq Pipeline improves operational efficiency for the company's regional activities.
The acquisition adds 104,000 gross acres to APA Alaska's portfolio, bringing its total to 487,000 gross acres. The Badami production facility holds a design capacity of 40,000 barrels of oil per day.
The players
APA Alaska
This energy company manages significant acreage and exploration projects across the North Slope.
Savant Alaska LLC
This entity maintains key infrastructure assets including the Badami production facility and the Nutaaq Pipeline.
Alaska Department of Natural Resources
This state agency oversees land use permits and the regulation of natural resource extraction within Alaska.
The details
APA Alaska holds a 50% interest in the Lagniappe joint venture and is seeking state land use passes to support a temporary ice road system for exploration. Surveying for these alignments was completed via helicopter during the summer months.
Timeline
June 10, 2026: APA reached a deal to purchase Savant Alaska LLC.
June 12, 2026: APA applied for a land use pass with the Alaska Department of Natural Resources.
Late 2026: The Savant acquisition is expected to close.
Winter 2026-2027: Planned drilling of two North Slope exploration wells.
Market Landscape
This acquisition allows APA Alaska to consolidate regional infrastructure to gain a competitive advantage in North Slope exploration. The move positions the company to better integrate its existing Lagniappe interests with newly secured assets.
The expansion of regional production capacity may influence local industrial service demand and employment opportunities in the North Slope area. Residents and local businesses should monitor how increased drilling activity affects transit and equipment needs in the region.
The takeaway
Securing existing production infrastructure is a strategic step for independent drillers aiming to lower the high costs of arctic exploration. Companies operating in the region must balance these expansion goals with the strict seasonal environmental regulations required for ice road construction.
Further reading
Read more about regional energy projects on our Alaska Oil and Gas page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Petroleum News.
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